Ira
Ira the Tekoite was one of King David's Thirty mighty warriors (2Sa.23.26, 1Ch.11.28).
Biography
Ira the Tekoite was one of King David's elite corps known as the Thirty mighty warriors, the celebrated group of warriors whose individual exploits are catalogued in 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11. His designation as a Tekoite indicates he came from the town of Tekoa in the hill country of Judah, south of Bethlehem, a region known both for its pastoral culture and later as the hometown of the prophet Amos. Ira's inclusion among the Thirty marks him as a man of exceptional military valor who served David during the tumultuous years of the Philistine wars and the consolidation of the Israelite kingdom. He also appears in the list of David's rotating military commanders in 1 Chronicles 27:9.
Significance
Ira the Tekoite exemplifies the kind of loyal, capable servant that enabled David's kingdom to flourish. As a member of the Thirty, he represents the cadre of devoted warriors whose bravery and fidelity were essential instruments of God's providential protection over Israel. His role in 1 Chronicles 27 as a monthly military commander further indicates that his service extended beyond battlefield heroics to administrative leadership in the kingdom. The Thirty remind readers that God's plans are accomplished through the courageous dedication of individuals who commit their gifts and strength to the purposes of his anointed king.
Verse Appearances (3)
2Sam
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]