Ikkesh עִקֵּשׁ
Father of Ira, one of David's mighty warriors.
Who is Ikkesh in the Bible?
Ikkesh the Tekoite was the father of Ira, one of King David's mighty warriors listed among the elite military force known as "the thirty" (2 Samuel 23:26; 1 Chronicles 11:28). As a Tekoite, Ikkesh came from the town of Tekoa in Judah, south of Jerusalem, and his son Ira inherited this heritage while becoming renowned for his exceptional combat skills and loyalty to King David. Ira served as a leader in David's army and is also mentioned as overseeing one of the monthly divisions of David's forces (1 Chronicles 27:9). Though Ikkesh himself is not described as a warrior, his significance lies in being the father of one of David's most trusted military commanders during the establishment of the Israelite kingdom.
Biography
Ikkesh the Tekoite is mentioned in the Bible as the father of Ira, one of King David's mighty warriors. Ira is listed among the "thirty" mighty men who were renowned for their military prowess and bravery (2Sa.23.26; 1Ch.11.28).
The "mighty men" or "mighty warriors" were an elite group of soldiers who served under King David and played a significant role in his military campaigns and the establishment of his kingdom. They were known for their exceptional combat skills and unwavering loyalty to the king.
Ikkesh is specifically identified as a Tekoite, indicating that he was from the town of Tekoa, located in the territory of Judah, south of Jerusalem. The mention of Ikkesh's place of origin suggests that his son Ira may have also been from Tekoa.
In addition to being listed among the mighty warriors, Ira the son of Ikkesh is also mentioned in 1Ch.27.9 as one of the twelve military commanders who served King David. Each of these commanders was responsible for leading a division of 24,000 men, with each division serving the king for one month out of the year.
Although no specific details are provided about Ikkesh himself, his son Ira's inclusion among David's mighty warriors and military commanders indicates that the family was known for their military skill and leadership. Ikkesh's mention as Ira's father also highlights the importance of family lineage and the passing down of military traditions from one generation to another.
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books2 Samuel 1 verse
- 2 Samuel 23:26
"Helez the Paltite, Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite,"
1 Chronicles 2 verses
- 1 Chronicles 11:28
"Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Anathothite,"
- 1 Chronicles 27:9
"The sixth, for the sixth month, was Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite. There were 24,000 men in his division."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | עִקֵּשׁ |