1 Chronicles 11:28

Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abi–ezer the Antothite,

1 Chronicles 11:28 (KJV)

Context

This verse belongs to the catalogue of David’s mighty men, a list of warriors who helped establish his kingdom. The chapter records their names and, in some cases, their deeds, highlighting their courage, loyalty, and skill in battle. The verse names two of these men: Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, and Abiezer the Antothite.

Tekoa was a town in Judah, later known as the home of the prophet Amos (Amos 1:1). Anathoth was a Levitical city in the territory of Benjamin (Joshua 21:18), and it became the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:1). The inclusion of men from various towns and tribes shows that David’s army drew from all over Israel.

Meaning

The verse preserves names, relationships, and group identities within a military record. It should be read for the precise people and connections it actually names; the text does not supply motives or character judgments beyond those details.

The wording centres on “Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Antothite,” setting the subject and the limits of interpretation. Such records establish continuity across generations and locate individuals and families within Israel’s history. Their brevity does not make them dispensable: their value lies in the accuracy of the relationships, names, and numbers preserved.

Biblical connections

Ira is also mentioned in the parallel list in 2 Samuel 23:26, confirming his place among David’s elite warriors. The list of mighty men serves as a reminder that God works through ordinary individuals to accomplish His purposes. These men were not kings or priests, but soldiers whose faithfulness and bravery supported the king God had chosen. Their names are preserved in Scripture, indicating that God values the service of every believer, no matter how seemingly small.

The mention of their hometowns roots the narrative in real history, affirming the historical reliability of the biblical account. This verse, while a simple list entry, points to the broader theme of God’s providence in establishing David’s throne, which ultimately foreshadows the eternal kingdom of Christ. The faithfulness of these warriors to David can be seen as a type of the loyalty that believers are to have to Christ, the greater Son of David.

Application

A faithful response is careful attention. Readers should receive the record as written, avoid inventing details beyond it, and allow the surrounding genealogy or census to explain each person’s place.

Read in this setting, 1 Chronicles 11:28 speaks through its own wording and context. Its claims and application begin with the KJV text above.