Topical Bible: Civil Minister: Ira

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Ira, a notable figure in the Old Testament, served as a civil minister during the reign of King David. His role and contributions are briefly mentioned in the biblical narrative, yet they hold significance in understanding the administrative structure of David's kingdom.

Biblical References:

Ira is mentioned in 2 Samuel 20:26, where it states, "And Ira the Jairite was David’s priest." The term "priest" in this context is understood by many scholars to refer to a civil or royal official rather than a religious priest, as Ira was not from the Levitical line. This interpretation aligns with the broader understanding of the term in the ancient Near Eastern context, where it could denote a high-ranking official or advisor to the king.

Role and Function:

Ira's designation as a "priest" or civil minister suggests that he held a significant position within King David's administration. His responsibilities likely included advising the king on matters of state, overseeing certain governmental functions, and possibly acting as an intermediary between the king and the people. The role of a civil minister was crucial in maintaining the stability and efficiency of the kingdom, ensuring that the king's decrees were implemented and that justice was administered.

Historical and Cultural Context:

During King David's reign, the kingdom of Israel was undergoing significant transformation and expansion. The establishment of a centralized government required capable and trustworthy officials to manage various aspects of the kingdom's affairs. As a civil minister, Ira would have been part of this administrative framework, contributing to the consolidation of David's rule and the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel.

Significance in David's Reign:

Ira's service as a civil minister highlights the importance of loyal and competent officials in the success of David's reign. His inclusion in the biblical record, albeit brief, underscores the value placed on governance and the effective administration of justice and order in the kingdom. The mention of Ira alongside other key figures in David's court reflects the collaborative effort required to support the king's leadership and the divine mandate to rule with righteousness and wisdom.

Conclusion:

While the biblical account provides limited information about Ira, his role as a civil minister under King David offers insight into the administrative structure and governance of ancient Israel. His service exemplifies the critical function of civil officials in supporting the king's rule and ensuring the prosperity and stability of the nation.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 20:26
And Ira also the Jairite was a chief ruler about David.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Life of Mr. Robert Bruce.
... sent him to France to study the civil law. ... that about this time Mr. Henderson then
minister at Leuchars ... voice speak to him, saying, Haec est ira Dei contra ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr robert 3.htm

Canones Synodi Dordrechtan??.
... et Servatorem Jesum vera ac viva fide amplectuntur, illi per ipsum ab ira Dei et ...
Marcus Rutimeyerus, S. Theologi?? Doctor et Ecclesi?? Bemensis Minister. ...
/.../canones synodi dordrechtanae.htm

The Westminster Confession of Faith. AD 1647.
... XXIII., relating to the Civil Magistrate, and in Ch. ... unto life is an evangelical
grace, [1437] the doctrine whereof is to be preached by every minister of the ...
/.../the westminster confession of faith.htm

Field Hymns.
... and Scotland in 1873, Dwight L. Moody and Ira D. Sankey ... William W. Walford, a blind
English minister, was the author ... He was a surgeon in the Civil War, and in ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter xii field hymns.htm

Footnotes
... she, seeing him an English officer, was almost not civil. However he got in and
sat next Miss Porterfield. After sermon was over he asked the minister's name. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The word "judges," which has been adopted to designate these rulers, is somewhat
misleading, as it suggests the idea of an organized civil magistracy. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm