Ikkesh
Ikkesh the Tekoite was the father of Ira, one of King David's mighty warriors and a leader in his army.
Biography
Ikkesh the Tekoite is known from Scripture as the father of Ira, one of King David's thirty mighty warriors (2 Samuel 23:26; 1 Chronicles 11:28). His hometown, Tekoa, was a small community in the hill country of Judah, later known as the home of the prophet Amos and the setting of the wise woman's parable before David (2 Samuel 14:2). Ira son of Ikkesh rose to distinction as one of the commanders who rotated monthly through David's military administration (1 Chronicles 27:9), leading the division assigned to the ninth month. Ikkesh himself is mentioned only in relation to his celebrated son, though his Tekoite origin suggests roots in a community known for wisdom and prophetic sensitivity.
Significance
Ikkesh exemplifies the quiet but essential role of parents in shaping the character of those who go on to serve God's purposes in significant ways. His son Ira's distinction as both a mighty warrior and a monthly division commander in David's kingdom traces back, at least in part, to the household in Tekoa that formed him. The Tekoite connection is theologically evocative: Tekoa was a place associated with wisdom and discernment, suggesting that Ikkesh raised his son in an environment that valued both courage and thoughtfulness. Scripture honors Ikkesh by preserving his name, a reminder that faithful parenting, though rarely celebrated, is never forgotten by God.
Verse Appearances (3)
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References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]