1 Chronicles 11:28

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

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

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

Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Anathothite,

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

Commentary

1 Chronicles 11:28 introduces two more distinguished members of King David's elite fighting force, known as the "mighty men" or "valiant warriors." This verse specifically names Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite and Abiezer the Antothite, highlighting their origins and individual identities within this formidable group.

Context

This verse is part of an extensive roster found in 1 Chronicles 11:10-47, which meticulously details the names and, in some cases, the heroic deeds of the men who stood by David during his rise to power and throughout his reign. This list closely parallels the account in 2 Samuel 23:8-39, emphasizing their crucial role in establishing and maintaining David's kingdom after he was anointed king over all Israel.

  • Ira the Tekoite: Hailing from Tekoa, a town located in the wilderness of Judah, south of Jerusalem. This region was known for its rugged terrain and strategic importance. The mention of Tekoa connects Ira to a community that later produced the prophet Amos.
  • Abiezer the Antothite: From Anathoth, a priestly city in the territory of Benjamin, northeast of Jerusalem. Anathoth was also the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah, adding a rich historical layer to the identity of these warriors. The inclusion of men from diverse backgrounds underscores the broad support David garnered across the tribes of Israel.

Key Themes

  • Individual Recognition: The Chronicler's detailed listing of names, even those without extensive narratives, underscores the importance of every individual's contribution to God's plan and the success of David's kingdom.
  • Loyalty and Devotion: These men were characterized by their unwavering loyalty to David, serving as a testament to faithfulness and dedication to a divinely appointed leader. Their commitment was foundational to the stability and strength of ancient Israel.
  • Diversity in Service: The origins of Ira and Abiezer from different regions (Judah and Benjamin) highlight the unity forged under David's leadership, drawing strength from various parts of the nation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for these "mighty men" is gibborim (גִּבֹּרִים), which conveys a sense of strength, valor, and heroism. It signifies not just physical prowess but also moral courage and effectiveness in battle. The precise recording of their names and origins by the Chronicler emphasizes their unique identities and the specific places from which these valiant individuals came, signifying their lasting legacy.

Practical Application

The inclusion of these names in Scripture, even without specific deeds attributed to them in this verse, offers valuable lessons:

  • Value of Every Contributor: It reminds us that every person's faithful service, no matter how seemingly small or unheralded, is significant in the eyes of God and contributes to the larger purpose.
  • Faithfulness in Position: Ira and Abiezer fulfilled their roles with distinction, serving as examples of dedication within their sphere of influence. We are called to be faithful in whatever capacity God has placed us.
  • Community and Unity: Just as David's mighty men came from various towns and tribes, the body of believers today thrives on the diverse gifts and contributions of its members, working together for a common goal.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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,
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