Ikkesh is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the historical narratives of the books of Samuel and Chronicles. He is noted primarily for being the father of Ira, one of King David's mighty warriors. The name "Ikkesh" is of Hebrew origin, and it is often understood to mean "perverse" or "twisted," though the context of his life and actions in the biblical narrative does not provide further elaboration on the significance of his name.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Samuel 23:26 : "Helez the Paltite, Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite." This verse is part of a passage listing the "mighty men" of King David, a group of elite warriors who played significant roles in his military campaigns. Ira, the son of Ikkesh, is identified as a Tekoite, indicating that he hailed from Tekoa, a town in the hill country of Judah. This association with Tekoa suggests that Ikkesh and his family were likely residents of this region, which was known for its rugged terrain and strategic importance.

2. 1 Chronicles 11:28 : "Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Anathothite." This verse parallels the account in 2 Samuel, reaffirming Ira's position among David's mighty men and his lineage as the son of Ikkesh. The Chronicles account serves to underscore the importance of these warriors in the establishment and consolidation of David's kingdom.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The mention of Ikkesh, though brief, places him within the broader narrative of King David's reign, a period marked by military conquests and the unification of the tribes of Israel under a centralized monarchy. The reference to Ikkesh's son, Ira, as a Tekoite, provides insight into the geographical and tribal affiliations that were significant in the socio-political landscape of ancient Israel.

Tekoa, the town associated with Ikkesh, was located approximately 10 miles south of Jerusalem. It was a strategic location, providing a vantage point over the surrounding wilderness and serving as a buffer zone against potential invasions from the south. The region's rugged terrain and its proximity to the Judean Desert may have contributed to the development of a hardy and resilient population, traits likely valued in David's warriors.

Theological Significance:

While Ikkesh himself is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, his mention as the father of one of David's mighty men highlights the importance of familial and tribal connections in the unfolding of God's plan for Israel. The mighty men, including Ira, played crucial roles in supporting David, who is seen as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). Their loyalty and valor were instrumental in the establishment of a kingdom that would ultimately foreshadow the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, from the line of David.

In the broader theological context, the inclusion of figures like Ikkesh in the biblical record serves as a reminder of the diverse and often humble backgrounds from which God calls individuals to participate in His divine purposes. The legacy of Ikkesh, through his son Ira, is a testament to the way God weaves together the lives of His people to accomplish His redemptive work in history.Ikkesh

forward; wicked

Ikkesh

(perverse), the father of Ira the Tekoite. (2 Samuel 23:26; 1 Chronicles 11:28; 27:9) (B.C. before 1046.)

IKKESH

ik'-esh (`iqqesh, "crooked"): A Tekoite, father of Ira, one of David's "thirty" (2 Samuel 23:26 1 Chronicles 11:28; 1 Chronicles 27:9).

6142. Iqqesh -- a Tekoan
... a Tekoan. Transliteration: Iqqesh Phonetic Spelling: (ik-kashe') Short Definition:
Ikkesh. Word Origin from aqash Definition a Tekoan NASB Word Usage Ikkesh (3) ...
/hebrew/6142.htm - 6kIkkesh (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia IKKESH. ik'-esh (`iqqesh, "crooked ... 27:9).
Multi-Version Concordance Ikkesh (3 Occurrences). 2 Samuel ...
/i/ikkesh.htm - 7k

Ira (6 Occurrences)
... one of David's "thirty" (2 Samuel 23:38 parallel 1 Chronicles 11:40); possibly
identical with (1). (3) Another of David's "thirty," son of Ikkesh of Tekoa (2 ...
/i/ira.htm - 10k

Tekoite (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tekoite (3 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 23:26 Helez the Paltite,
Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS). ...
/t/tekoite.htm - 7k

Tekoa (12 Occurrences)
... te-ko'-a (teqoa', or teqo`ah; Thekoe; the King James Version Tekoah; one of David's
mighty men, "Ira the son of Ikkesh," is called a Tekoite, te-ko'-it (teqo`i ...
/t/tekoa.htm - 15k

Teko'a (11 Occurrences)
... throne be guiltless.' (See RSV). 2 Samuel 23:26 Helez the Paltite, Ira the
son of Ikkesh the Tekoite; (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 2:24 And ...
/t/teko'a.htm - 9k

Proper (62 Occurrences)
... or either abstract or concrete, as Zebul, "habitation"; (b) a participle, as Saul,
"asked," Zeruiah, "cleft"; (c) an adjective, as Ikkesh, "perverse," Maharai ...
/p/proper.htm - 57k

24000 (10 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). 1 Chronicles 27:9 The sixth captain for the sixth month was Ira the son
of Ikkesh the Tekoite: and in his division were twenty-four thousand. ...
/num/24000.htm - 9k

Ilai (1 Occurrence)

/i/ilai.htm - 7k

I'jon (2 Occurrences)
I'jon. Ijon, I'jon. Ikkesh . Multi-Version Concordance I'jon (2 Occurrences). ...
(See RSV). Ijon, I'jon. Ikkesh . Reference Bible.
/i/i'jon.htm - 7k

Twenty-four (26 Occurrences)
... (WEB BBE DBY RSV). 1 Chronicles 27:9 The sixth captain for the sixth month was Ira
the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite: and in his division were twenty-four thousand. ...
/t/twenty-four.htm - 14k

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