2 Samuel 23:26

KJV

Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite,

KJV (with Strong's)

Helez {H2503} the Paltite {H6407}, Ira {H5896} the son {H1121} of Ikkesh {H6142} the Tekoite {H8621},

Complete Jewish Bible

Heletz the Palti, 'Ira son of 'Ikesh from T'koa,

Berean Standard Bible

Helez the Paltite, Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite,

American Standard Version

Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 23:26 is a concise yet significant entry within the esteemed roster of King David's "mighty men," specifically naming Helez the Paltite and Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite. This verse, part of a larger appendix celebrating David's most valiant warriors, underscores the individual contributions and unwavering loyalty of these elite soldiers who were instrumental in establishing and securing David's kingdom, highlighting the divine favor upon David's reign through the dedication of his faithful servants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial appendix to the book of 2 Samuel, specifically from [2 Samuel 23:8](/2_samuel/23-8 "2 Samuel 23:8 - David's Mighty Men") to the end of the chapter. It immediately follows David's "last words" (found in [2 Samuel 23:1-7](/2_samuel/23-1 "2 Samuel 23:1-7 - David's Last Words")), which serve as a theological reflection on his reign and God's covenant with him. The list of mighty men, therefore, functions as a practical demonstration of the strength and stability God provided to David's kingdom through dedicated individuals. It is not merely a historical record but an inspired testament to the human instruments God used to fulfill His promises, often paralleled with the list in [1 Chronicles 11](/1_chronicles/11 "1 Chronicles 11 - David's Mighty Men").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of David's reign (c. 1010-970 BC) was marked by the consolidation of the Israelite kingdom, expansion of its borders, and significant military campaigns against surrounding nations like the Philistines, Ammonites, and Arameans. David's success was heavily reliant on his military prowess and the loyalty of his fighting force. The "mighty men" represented the elite core of his army, comprising seasoned warriors whose valor and skill were legendary. Their inclusion in this record reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of honoring military heroes and documenting the foundational figures of a kingdom, emphasizing the importance of individual identity through lineage ("son of Ikkesh") and geographical origin ("Paltite," "Tekoite"). Tekoa, for example, was a town in Judah, south of Jerusalem, later known as the home of the prophet Amos ([Amos 1:1](/amos/1-1 "Amos 1:1 - Amos from Tekoa")).
* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes in [2 Samuel 23](/2_samuel/23 "2 Samuel 23 - David's Last Words and Mighty Men") include divine faithfulness to David's covenant, the importance of loyal service, and the recognition of individual contribution to a greater cause. The listing of these warriors, including Helez and Ira, highlights the theme of **valor and dedication** in service to God's chosen king. It also subtly emphasizes the **diversity of origins** within David's unified kingdom, as these men came from various regions. Furthermore, the very act of their names being preserved in sacred scripture speaks to the theme of **legacy and remembrance**, affirming that faithful service, even in seemingly minor roles, is valued and recorded by God. This passage reinforces the idea that God works through human agents, empowering them to achieve His purposes, as seen throughout the narrative of David's rise to power and consolidation of his kingdom in [2 Samuel](/2_samuel "The Book of 2 Samuel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Paltite (Hebrew, _palṭî'_):** This epithet indicates Helez's origin from "Palti" or "Beth-Pelet." While the exact location is debated, it likely refers to a geographical region or a clan. The inclusion of such a tribal or regional designation was common in ancient Israel, signifying a person's identity and connection to their heritage. For Helez, being identified as "the Paltite" grounds him in a specific community, even if his individual deeds are not detailed here, his origin contributes to his identity within David's diverse fighting force.
* **Tekoite (Hebrew, _təqōʿî'_):** This term identifies Ira as hailing from Tekoa, a town in the hill country of Judah, approximately ten miles south of Jerusalem. Tekoa was a significant location, known for its strategic position and later as the hometown of the prophet Amos ([Amos 1:1](/amos/1-1 "Amos 1:1 - Amos, a Shepherd from Tekoa")). The epithet not only specifies Ira's origin but also connects him to a known geographical and, by extension, cultural context within Judah, underscoring the broad base of support David garnered from various parts of his kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Helez the Paltite":** This clause introduces the first of the two mighty men named in this verse. Helez is identified by his place of origin or clan, "the Paltite," indicating his background and possibly his tribal affiliation. His presence on this elite list signifies his exceptional valor and loyalty to King David, despite the absence of specific heroic deeds attributed to him in this immediate context. He is also noted in [1 Chronicles 27:10](/1_chronicles/27-10 "1 Chronicles 27:10 - Helez the Paltite, a Captain") as a commander of a monthly division of David's army.
* **"Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite":** This second clause introduces Ira, providing both his patronymic ("the son of Ikkesh") and his geographical origin ("the Tekoite"). The mention of his father's name further roots him in his lineage, a common practice in biblical genealogies and lists of prominent individuals. His association with Tekoa, a town in Judah, highlights the diverse geographical representation among David's elite warriors. Like Helez, Ira's inclusion in this roster attests to his significant military contributions and unwavering dedication to David's reign. He is also listed among David's thirty mighty men in [1 Chronicles 11:28](/1_chronicles/11-28 "1 Chronicles 11:28 - Ira the Tekoite").

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Samuel 23:26, and indeed throughout the list of David's mighty men, is **Cataloging** or **Listing**. This technique involves presenting a sequence of names, places, or events, which serves to document, honor, and provide a comprehensive record. In this context, the cataloging of warriors emphasizes the breadth and depth of David's loyal support base and the collective strength of his kingdom. Another subtle device is **Epithet**, where individuals are identified by descriptive phrases (e.g., "the Paltite," "the Tekoite") rather than just their names. These epithets provide crucial geographical or familial context, anchoring the individuals within the broader Israelite society and history. The entire list can also be seen as a form of **Encomium**, a formal expression of praise, celebrating the valor and achievements of these men and, by extension, the strength and divine favor bestowed upon David's reign.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The inclusion of seemingly minor figures like Helez and Ira within the inspired text of 2 Samuel carries profound theological weight. It underscores the biblical principle that God values and remembers every act of faithful service, regardless of its prominence in human eyes. While these men may not have performed the dramatic feats of the "Three" or the "Thirty," their consistent loyalty and dedication were foundational to David's kingdom, which itself was a type and shadow of God's eternal kingdom. Their presence on this list serves as a divine affirmation that every member of God's people, contributing their unique gifts and strengths, is essential to the collective flourishing of His purposes. It teaches us that faithfulness in "smaller" roles is just as vital in God's economy as the more celebrated acts.

* [1 Chronicles 27:10](/1_chronicles/27-10 "1 Chronicles 27:10 - Helez the Paltite, a Captain")
* [1 Chronicles 11:28](/1_chronicles/11-28 "1 Chronicles 11:28 - Ira the Tekoite")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief mention of Helez and Ira invites us to reflect on the nature of faithful service within God's kingdom today. Just as these men were indispensable to David's earthly reign, every believer is a vital member of the body of Christ, equipped with unique gifts and called to specific roles. This passage reminds us that not everyone is called to be a "star" or to perform widely celebrated deeds, but every act of loyalty, perseverance, and dedication, however seemingly small or unheralded, contributes to the greater work of God. It challenges us to embrace our individual callings with humility and commitment, trusting that our service, when rendered faithfully to the Lord, is seen, valued, and recorded in God's eternal memory. Our ultimate reward is not human recognition, but the affirmation of our Heavenly King.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the inclusion of seemingly less prominent figures like Helez and Ira challenge our modern understanding of "success" or "importance" in ministry or service?**
* **In what ways can we cultivate a spirit of unwavering loyalty and dedication to God's purposes in our daily lives, even when our contributions feel unseen?**
* **Considering the diverse origins of David's mighty men, how does this passage encourage unity and mutual appreciation within the body of Christ today, despite our differing backgrounds or roles?**

### FAQ

**Who were Helez the Paltite and Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite?**

Answer: Helez and Ira were two of King David's elite warriors, listed among his "mighty men" in 2 Samuel 23. While specific heroic deeds are not detailed for them in this passage, their inclusion in this esteemed roster signifies their exceptional valor, skill, and unwavering loyalty to David. Helez is further identified as "the Paltite," indicating his origin from a place or clan called Palti or Beth-Pelet. Ira is identified by his father, Ikkesh, and as "the Tekoite," meaning he hailed from the town of Tekoa in Judah. Both men are also mentioned in the parallel account in [1 Chronicles 11](/1_chronicles/11 "1 Chronicles 11 - David's Mighty Men") and [1 Chronicles 27](/1_chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Army Divisions"), where Helez is noted as a captain of a monthly division.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The faithful service of David's mighty men, including Helez and Ira, serves as a powerful Old Testament type pointing to the ultimate service and loyalty due to King Jesus. David's kingdom, established through the valor of these men, foreshadowed the eternal, spiritual kingdom of Christ. Just as these warriors pledged their lives to David, believers are called to pledge their lives in absolute allegiance to the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Their dedication to an earthly king, who was himself a type of the Messiah, prefigures the far greater devotion required for the true and everlasting King. In Christ, the concept of "mighty men" expands beyond physical prowess to spiritual strength and faithfulness, as believers are empowered by the [Holy Spirit](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit") to serve in His kingdom. Our service, whether prominent or unseen, contributes to the building of His church, which is His body ([Ephesians 4:16](/ephesians/4-16 "Ephesians 4:16 - The Body of Christ")), and is ultimately recognized and rewarded by Him who sits on the throne ([Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Jesus' Return and Reward")). The loyalty of Helez and Ira to David finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the unwavering commitment of every believer to Christ, the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings").

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.