1 Chronicles 11:28
Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Anathothite,
Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite
The name "Ira" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "watchful" or "vigilant." This suggests a character of alertness and readiness, qualities essential for a warrior in King David's elite forces. "Ikkesh" means "perverse" or "twisted," which might indicate a transformation in character or a contrast between father and son. "The Tekoite" refers to Ira's origin from Tekoa, a town in Judah known for its wise inhabitants, as seen in the wise woman of Tekoa in 2 Samuel 14. Tekoa's strategic location near the wilderness of Judah might have contributed to the development of strong, resilient individuals like Ira, who were well-suited for military service.

Abiezer the Anathothite
"Abiezer" means "father of help" or "my father is help," reflecting a legacy of support and strength, possibly indicating his role as a dependable ally in David's army. "The Anathothite" denotes his origin from Anathoth, a Levitical city in the territory of Benjamin. Anathoth's association with the priestly tribe of Levi suggests a background of spiritual heritage and dedication to God's service. This connection might have imbued Abiezer with a sense of divine mission and purpose, aligning with the broader narrative of David's reign as a divinely appointed king. The mention of these individuals in the context of David's mighty men highlights the diverse backgrounds and unique contributions of those who supported David's kingship, emphasizing the unity and strength found in their collective dedication to God's chosen leader.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite
Ira is identified as the son of Ikkesh and hails from Tekoa, a town in Judah. Tekoa is known for its strategic location and its association with other biblical figures like the prophet Amos.

2. Abiezer the Anathothite
Abiezer is from Anathoth, a town in the territory of Benjamin. Anathoth is also the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah, indicating its significance in biblical history.

3. David's Mighty Warriors
This verse is part of a larger passage listing David's mighty warriors, a group of elite soldiers who played a crucial role in establishing David's kingdom and securing his reign.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Heritage and Identity
Understanding the backgrounds of biblical figures like Ira and Abiezer helps us appreciate the diverse heritage and identity within God's people. Our own backgrounds can be used by God for His purposes.

The Role of Community in God's Plan
Just as David's mighty warriors came from various towns and backgrounds, the church today is made up of diverse individuals who contribute to the mission of God. We should value and support each other in our unique roles.

Faithfulness in Service
Ira and Abiezer were part of a group known for their loyalty and bravery. In our own lives, we are called to be faithful in the roles God has given us, serving with dedication and courage.

God's Use of Ordinary People
These warriors, though not as well-known as David, played crucial roles in God's plan. God often uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things, reminding us that our contributions matter.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from the backgrounds of Ira and Abiezer about how God uses people from different places and backgrounds in His plan?

2. How does the concept of David's mighty warriors inspire us to think about our role in the church today?

3. In what ways can we demonstrate faithfulness and courage in our own lives, similar to the mighty warriors of David?

4. How does understanding the historical and geographical context of Tekoa and Anathoth enhance our reading of other biblical texts?

5. Reflect on a time when God used an ordinary aspect of your life for His extraordinary purposes. How can this encourage you in your current walk with God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Samuel 23
This chapter provides a parallel account of David's mighty warriors, offering additional context and details about their exploits and significance.

Jeremiah 1
Anathoth is mentioned as the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah, highlighting its continued importance in Israel's history.

Amos 1
Tekoa is referenced as the home of the prophet Amos, showing its role as a place of prophetic significance.
The Spiritual SlaughterJ. Parker, D. D.1 Chronicles 11:28
The Moral of the Mighty MenW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 11:10-14, 20-47
People
Abiel, Abiezer, Abishai, Adina, Ahiam, Ahijah, Ahlai, Anathoth, Ariel, Asahel, Azmaveth, Baanah, Benaiah, Benjamin, Benjaminites, David, Dodai, Dodo, Eleazar, Elhanan, Eliahba, Eliel, Eliphal, Elnaam, Ezbai, Gareb, Hachmoni, Haggeri, Hanan, Hashem, Heled, Helez, Hepher, Hezro, Hotham, Hothan, Hurai, Ikkesh, Ilai, Ira, Israelites, Ithai, Ithmah, Ittai, Jaasiel, Jashobeam, Jasiel, Jebusites, Jediael, Jehiel, Jehoiada, Jeiel, Jeribai, Joab, Joel, Joha, Jonathan, Joshaphat, Joshaviah, Maacah, Maachah, Maharai, Mibhar, Moabites, Naarai, Naharai, Nathan, Obed, Reubenites, Ribai, Sacar, Samuel, Saul, Shage, Shama, Shammoth, Shimri, Shiza, Sibbecai, Sibbechai, Uriah, Uzzia, Zabad, Zelek, Zeruiah
Places
Adullam, Anathoth, Baharum, Beeroth, Bethlehem, Carmel, Gaash, Gibeah, Harod, Hebron, Jebus, Jerusalem, Kabzeel, Millo, Moab, Netophah, Pas-dammim, Pirathon, Tekoa, Valley of Rephaim, Zion
Topics
Abiezer, Abi-ezer, Abi-e'zer, Anathoth, An'athoth, Anathothite, Annethothite, Antothite, Ikkesh, Ira, Tekoa, Teko'a, Tekoite
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 11:10-47

     5544   soldiers

1 Chronicles 11:15-42

     1654   numbers, 11-99

1 Chronicles 11:23-47

     5087   David, reign of

Library
The Story of a Cup of Water
BY THEODORE T. MUNGER [From "Lamps and Paths," by courtesy of Houghton, Mifflin & Co.] Be noble! and the nobleness that lies In other men, sleeping, but never dead, Will rise in majesty to meet thine own. --James Russell Lowell: Sonnet IV Restore to God his due in tithe and time: A tithe purloined cankers the whole estate. Sundays observe: think, when the bells do chime, 'Tis angels' music; therefore come not late. God there deals blessings. If a king did so, Who would not haste, nay give, to see
Philip P. Wells—Bible Stories and Religious Classics

Some Buildings in Acra. Bezeiha. Millo.
Mount Sion did not thrust itself so far eastward as mount Acra: and hence it is, that mount Moriah is said, by Josephus, to be "situate over-against Acra," rather than over-against the Upper City: for, describing Acra thus, which we produced before, "There is another hill, called Acra, which bears the Lower City upon it, steep on both sides": in the next words he subjoins this, "Over-against this was a third hill," speaking of Moriah. The same author thus describes the burning of the Lower City:
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Epistle cxxii. To Rechared, King of the visigoths .
To Rechared, King of the Visigoths [82] . Gregory to Rechared, &c. I cannot express in words, most excellent son, how much I am delighted with thy work and thy life. For on hearing of the power of a new miracle in our days, to wit that the whole nation of the Goths has through thy Excellency been brought over from the error of Arian heresy to the firmness of a right faith, one is disposed to exclaim with the prophet, This is the change wrought by the right hand of the Most High (Ps. lxxvi. 11 [83]
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Epistle Xlv. To Theoctista, Patrician .
To Theoctista, Patrician [153] . Gregory to Theoctista, &c. We ought to give great thanks to Almighty God, that our most pious and most benignant Emperors have near them kinsfolk of their race, whose life and conversation is such as to give us all great joy. Hence too we should continually pray for these our lords, that their life, with that of all who belong to them, may by the protection of heavenly grace be preserved through long and tranquil times. I have to inform you, however, that I have
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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