Facial Chronicle - b.03, p.318 - David's mighty warriorsAnonymous Russian manuscript illuminators, 1560-1570s Facial Chronicle (Illustrated Chronicle of Ivan the Terrible) (in 10 volumes: pdf, pdf with translation)Public domain image

Ira

עִירָא/EYE-ruh/

“Watchful”

Summary

The name of three men associated with King David, including a priest and two of his mighty warriors.

☩David's Priest

Ira the Jairite served as David's priest or chief minister. The term 'priest' (cohen) here likely refers to a chief official or confidential advisor rather than a Levitical priest, since Ira was not of the tribe of Levi. He held a position of high honor in David's administration.

Key verses:2 Samuel 20:26

☩The Ithrite

Ira the Ithrite was one of David's thirty mighty men, the elite warriors who formed his personal guard. He came from Jattir or the family of Ithrites descended from Kiriath-jearim. His inclusion among 'the thirty' indicates exceptional military valor and service to David.

Key verses:2 Samuel 23:381 Chronicles 11:40

☩The Tekoite

Another Ira, son of Ikkesh from Tekoa, was also among David's mighty men. He additionally served as commander of the military division for the sixth month in David's monthly rotation of forces. Tekoa was also the hometown of the prophet Amos.

Key verses:2 Samuel 23:261 Chronicles 27:9

Related Verses6 mentions

2 Samuel· 3 verses

20:26 23:26 23:38

1 Chronicles· 3 verses

11:28 11:40 27:9

References

1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Ira," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).

Ira