1 Chronicles 11:28

KJV

Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Antothite,

KJV (with Strong's)

Ira {H5896} the son {H1121} of Ikkesh {H6142} the Tekoite {H8621}, Abiezer {H44} the Antothite {H6069},

Complete Jewish Bible

'Ira son of 'Ikesh from T'koa, Avi'ezer from 'Anatot,

Berean Standard Bible

Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Anathothite,

American Standard Version

Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Anathothite,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 11:28 meticulously introduces two more distinguished members of King David's elite fighting force, the "mighty men": Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite and Abiezer the Antothite. This verse, part of a comprehensive roster, carefully records their names and geographical origins, underscoring the Chronicler's emphasis on the individual contributions and diverse backgrounds of those who faithfully served in the establishment and maintenance of God's kingdom under David's divinely appointed leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a lengthy and significant roster of David's "mighty men" or "valiant warriors," detailed in [1 Chronicles 11:10-47](/1_chronicles/11-10-47 "1 Chronicles 11:10-47 - David's Mighty Men"). This extensive list serves as a testament to the loyal and courageous individuals who supported David throughout his reign, particularly after he was [anointed king over all Israel](/1_chronicles/11-3 "1 Chronicles 11:3 - David Anointed King"). The Chronicler's inclusion of this detailed register, which closely parallels the account found in [2 Samuel 23:8-39](/2_samuel/23-8-39 "2 Samuel 23:8-39 - David's Mighty Men"), highlights the foundational role these warriors played in securing and stabilizing the kingdom. Unlike the Samuel account, the Chronicler often emphasizes the spiritual and communal aspects of Israel's history, portraying these men not just as soldiers but as integral parts of God's unfolding plan for His people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ira is identified as "the Tekoite," indicating his origin from Tekoa, a town situated in the wilderness of Judah, south of Jerusalem. This region was known for its rugged, defensible terrain and strategic importance, often serving as a gateway to the desert. Tekoa later gained prominence as the hometown of the prophet [Amos](/amos/1-1 "Amos 1:1 - The Words of Amos"). Abiezer is named "the Antothite," signifying his connection to Anathoth, a priestly city in the territory of Benjamin, northeast of Jerusalem. Anathoth was also the birthplace of the prophet [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1-1 "Jeremiah 1:1 - The Words of Jeremiah"), adding a rich layer of historical and prophetic significance to its inhabitants. The inclusion of men from such distinct and historically significant regions—Judah and Benjamin, a southern tribe and a tribe with strong ties to the former Saulide kingdom—underscores the broad, unified support David garnered across diverse tribal lines, a crucial element for national cohesion in ancient Israel.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of names in this chapter, including those like Ira and Abiezer for whom no specific deeds are recounted here, powerfully conveys the theme of **Individual Recognition**. The Chronicler emphasizes that every person's contribution, regardless of its prominence in the narrative, is significant and valued in the eyes of God and for the success of His kingdom. This roster also highlights **Loyalty and Devotion**, as these men were characterized by their unwavering commitment to David, serving as exemplars of faithfulness to a divinely chosen leader. Their steadfastness was indispensable for the stability and strength of the nascent monarchy, echoing the call for faithfulness found in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the Lord Your God"). Furthermore, the diverse geographical origins of these warriors, as seen with Ira from Judah and Abiezer from Benjamin, illustrates the theme of **Diversity in Service**. It showcases the unity forged under David's leadership, drawing strength from various parts of the nation and demonstrating how disparate elements can coalesce for a common, God-ordained purpose, much like the unified effort described in [Nehemiah 4](/nehemiah/4 "Nehemiah 4 - Rebuilding the Wall").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, this term denotes "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc.)." In this context, "son of Ikkesh" establishes Ira's lineage, emphasizing the importance of ancestral identity and the continuity of family lines within the Israelite community. It signifies his place within a generational heritage that contributes to the broader national fabric.
* **Abiezer (Hebrew, _ʼĂbîyʻezer'_):** From H44, meaning "father of help (i.e. helpful)." This personal name carries a significant meaning, suggesting a character or destiny associated with aid and assistance. While the verse does not detail Abiezer's specific acts of help, his inclusion among David's elite implies that his life embodied the supportive and beneficial qualities inherent in his name, contributing to the strength and success of David's reign.
* **Tekoite (Hebrew, _Tᵉqôwʻîy'_):** From H8621, this is a gentilic term meaning "a Tekoite or inhabitant of Tekoah." It identifies Ira's geographical origin from Tekoa, a town in Judah. This detail grounds Ira in a specific locale, connecting him to a particular community and its characteristics, highlighting the diverse regional contributions to David's unified kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite":** This clause introduces Ira, identifying him first by his personal name, then by his patronymic (his father's name, Ikkesh), and finally by his place of origin (Tekoa). This triple identification provides a full and formal introduction, emphasizing his individual identity, his family lineage, and his tribal/regional affiliation within the broader Israelite community. The Chronicler's meticulousness in recording such details underscores the value placed on each individual's contribution to David's reign.
* **"Abiezer the Antothite":** Following a similar pattern, Abiezer is introduced by his personal name and then by his place of origin, Anathoth. While his father's name is not given here, his connection to a specific, historically significant city (Anathoth) is deemed sufficient for identification within this roster. The juxtaposition of Ira and Abiezer highlights the diverse geographical spread of David's loyal warriors, drawing strength from different parts of the kingdom and demonstrating the national unity forged under David's leadership.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler's presentation in 1 Chronicles 11:28 primarily employs **Cataloging**, as it is part of an extensive list of names, meticulously recording the individuals who comprised David's elite fighting force. This systematic enumeration serves to validate David's reign by showcasing the breadth and depth of his support. Furthermore, the use of **Toponymy** (the study of place names) is prominent, with "Tekoite" and "Antothite" directly linking individuals to their specific geographical origins. This device not only provides concrete identification but also subtly emphasizes the diverse tribal and regional contributions to David's unified kingdom. Lastly, the inclusion of "the son of Ikkesh" demonstrates the use of **Lineage** or **Genealogy**, a foundational aspect of biblical narrative that establishes identity, heritage, and continuity within the historical record of God's people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Chronicler's deliberate act of recording the names of individuals like Ira and Abiezer, even without extensive narratives of their deeds in this specific verse, carries profound theological weight. It underscores the biblical principle that every person's faithful service, no matter how seemingly small or unheralded, is seen and valued by God. This meticulous recognition of individuals within a larger collective highlights God's attention to detail and His appreciation for the diverse contributions that build His kingdom. It teaches us that faithfulness in one's assigned role, whether prominent or behind the scenes, is a vital component of God's grand design, contributing to the overall strength and success of the community of faith. This divine recognition encourages believers to serve with diligence, knowing that their labor in the Lord is never in vain.

* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Many Members, One Body")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "The Body of Christ")
* [Hebrews 11:32-34](/hebrews/11-32-34 "Faith's Heroes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The inclusion of Ira the Tekoite and Abiezer the Antothite in David's prestigious list of mighty men, even without detailed accounts of their specific heroic feats in this verse, offers a powerful lesson for believers today. It reminds us that God values every individual's contribution to His work, irrespective of its perceived prominence or visibility. Just as these men faithfully served their earthly king, we are called to exercise faithfulness in whatever sphere God has placed us, recognizing that our seemingly small acts of obedience contribute to the larger unfolding of His divine purposes. This passage encourages us to embrace our unique identities and origins, understanding that our diverse backgrounds and gifts are meant to enrich the collective body of believers, fostering unity and strength as we work together for the common good of God's kingdom. It challenges us to look beyond grand narratives and appreciate the quiet, consistent faithfulness that sustains any great endeavor, trusting that God sees and rewards all who serve Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Chronicler's meticulous listing of names, even without detailed deeds, challenge our modern tendency to value only visible achievements?**
* **In what ways can we, like Ira and Abiezer, demonstrate faithfulness and dedication in our current roles, even if they seem ordinary or unnoticed by others?**
* **How can the diversity of origins among David's mighty men inspire us to better appreciate and integrate the varied backgrounds and gifts within our own communities of faith?**

### FAQ

**Why does the Chronicler list so many names, even for individuals without extensive narratives?**

Answer: The Chronicler's meticulous listing of names, as seen with Ira and Abiezer, serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it underscores the theological principle of divine recognition; every individual's contribution to God's plan, no matter how seemingly minor, is seen and valued by Him. Secondly, it provides a comprehensive historical record, validating David's reign by showcasing the broad and diverse support he garnered from across the tribes of Israel. This detailed roster emphasizes the unity and strength of the kingdom under God's chosen king. Lastly, it highlights the importance of community and collective effort, demonstrating that the success of God's work is built upon the faithful service of many individuals, not just a select few. This emphasis on individual identity within a larger collective is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative, from the genealogies in [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations of Adam") to the rosters of the early church in [Romans 16](/romans/16 "Romans 16 - Greetings to the Saints in Rome").

**What is the significance of the geographical origins mentioned for these warriors?**

Answer: The mention of geographical origins like "Tekoite" and "Antothite" is highly significant. It grounds these individuals in specific historical and cultural contexts, connecting them to particular towns and tribal territories. Tekoa, in Judah, was known for its ruggedness and later for the prophet [Amos](/amos/1-1 "Amos 1:1 - The Words of Amos"), while Anathoth, in Benjamin, was a priestly city and the hometown of the prophet [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1-1 "Jeremiah 1:1 - The Words of Jeremiah"). This detail highlights the widespread nature of David's support, drawing loyal warriors from diverse regions and tribes across Israel. It illustrates the theme of national unity under David's leadership, demonstrating how disparate elements from various parts of the land coalesced to form a strong and cohesive kingdom. It also adds a layer of historical authenticity and detail to the Chronicler's account, emphasizing the real, tangible nature of David's support base.

**What does the term "mighty men" (gibborim) imply beyond mere physical strength?**

Answer: The Hebrew term for "mighty men" is *gibborim* (גִּבּוֹרִים), which conveys a much richer meaning than just physical prowess. While it certainly includes strength and courage in battle, it also implies valor, effectiveness, and moral fortitude. These were individuals of distinguished character and proven loyalty, not merely mercenaries. They were men who demonstrated unwavering dedication to David and his God-given mission, often performing extraordinary feats of bravery and self-sacrifice. Their "might" encompassed not only their ability to fight but also their steadfastness, wisdom, and commitment to the kingdom's cause, making them indispensable pillars of David's reign. This concept of strength extending beyond the physical is echoed in passages like [Ephesians 6:10](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10 - The Whole Armor of God"), where believers are called to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous cataloging of David's "mighty men" in 1 Chronicles 11:28 and throughout the chapter, with its emphasis on individual names and diverse origins, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Christ. David, as the earthly king, gathered valiant men from various tribes and towns to establish and secure his kingdom; yet, his kingdom was but a shadow of the eternal, spiritual kingdom of God. Jesus Christ, the true and greater Son of David, is the ultimate King who gathers His own "mighty men" and women—not primarily through physical prowess or tribal affiliation, but through faith and spiritual rebirth. In Christ, the distinctions of "Tekoite" or "Antothite" fade, for [there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - One in Christ Jesus").

Just as the Chronicler valued every individual contributor to David's earthly reign, Christ values every member of His body, the Church. He knows each by name, and every gift and service, no matter how humble or hidden, contributes to the building of His eternal kingdom ([1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You are the Body of Christ")). The loyalty and devotion shown to David foreshadow the unwavering allegiance required for Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). Ultimately, the true "gibborim" are those who are strong in the Lord and in the power of His might ([Ephesians 6:10](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10 - The Whole Armor of God")), faithfully serving Him and advancing His gospel to the ends of the earth, united under His perfect, eternal reign.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 27:12

The ninth [captain] for the ninth month [was] Abiezer the Anetothite, of the Benjamites: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.

1 Chronicles 27:9

The sixth [captain] for the sixth month [was] Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.

2 Samuel 23:27

Abiezer the Anethothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite,