Ilai is a lesser-known figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of King David's mighty warriors. He is listed among the valiant men who served David, contributing to the strength and success of his reign. The account of Ilai can be found in 1 Chronicles 11:29, where he is identified as one of the "mighty men" or "heroes" who were renowned for their bravery and skill in battle.

Biblical Reference:

1 Chronicles 11:29 : "Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite."

Historical and Cultural Context:

Ilai is described as an Ahohite, which indicates his lineage or clan affiliation. The Ahohites were likely a family or group within the tribe of Benjamin, as other Ahohites mentioned in the Bible are associated with this tribe. The tribe of Benjamin was known for its skilled warriors, and Ilai's inclusion among David's mighty men suggests he was a formidable fighter.

The mighty men of David, also known as the "Gibborim," were a group of elite warriors who played a crucial role in establishing and defending David's kingdom. These men were characterized by their extraordinary feats of strength and courage, often facing overwhelming odds in battle. Their loyalty and dedication to David were instrumental in his consolidation of power and the expansion of his rule over Israel.

Role and Significance:

Ilai's mention in the list of David's mighty men highlights his importance as a warrior during a pivotal time in Israel's history. Although the Bible does not provide specific details about his exploits, his inclusion in this elite group signifies his valor and contribution to the military successes of David's reign.

The mighty men, including Ilai, were not only warriors but also symbols of God's provision and favor upon David. Their victories and protection of the king were seen as manifestations of divine support for David's leadership. As such, Ilai's role, though briefly mentioned, is part of the larger narrative of God's unfolding plan for Israel through David's kingship.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the account of Ilai and the other mighty men underscores themes of loyalty, courage, and divine providence. These warriors exemplified the qualities of faithfulness and bravery, serving as instruments through which God accomplished His purposes for Israel. Their accounts remind believers of the importance of steadfastness and trust in God's guidance, even in the face of daunting challenges.

Ilai's presence in the biblical narrative, though limited in detail, contributes to the rich tapestry of individuals who played significant roles in the history of Israel. His legacy, as part of David's mighty men, continues to inspire readers with the timeless values of courage and faithfulness in service to God's chosen leaders.Ilai

(exalted), an Ahohite, one of the heroes of David's guard (1 Chronicles 11:29) (B.C. 1046.)

An Ahohite, one of David's chief warriors (1 Chronicles 11:29); called also Zalmon (2 Samuel 23:28). ILAI

i'-la-i, i'-li (`ilay): A mighty man of David (1 Chronicles 11:29); called Zalmon in 2 Samuel 23:28.

5866. Ilay -- one of David's heroes
... 5865, 5866. Ilay. 5867 . one of David's heroes. Transliteration: Ilay
Phonetic Spelling: (ee-lah'-ee) Short Definition: Ilai. ... Ilai. ...
/hebrew/5866.htm - 6kIlai (1 Occurrence)
...ILAI. i'-la-i, i'-li (`ilay): A mighty man of David (1 Chronicles 11:29); called
Zalmon in 2 Samuel 23:28. Multi-Version Concordance Ilai (1 Occurrence). ...
/i/ilai.htm - 7k

Zalmon (3 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Shady. (1.) One of David's warriors, called the Ahohite
(2 Samuel 23:28); called also Ilai (1 Chronicles 11:29). ... See ILAI. W. Ewing. ...
/z/zalmon.htm - 9k

I'lai (1 Occurrence)
I'lai. Ilai, I'lai. Iliadun . Multi-Version Concordance I'lai (1 Occurrence).
1 Chronicles 11:29 Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite, (See RSV). ...
/i/i'lai.htm - 6k

Ahohite (5 Occurrences)
... achochi): A patronymic employed in connection with the descendants of AHOAH (which
see) such as Doda (2 Samuel 23:9) or Dodo (1 Chronicles 11:12), Ilai (29) or ...
/a/ahohite.htm - 9k

Ikkesh (3 Occurrences)

/i/ikkesh.htm - 7k

Aho'hite (4 Occurrences)
... of the three mighty men. (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 11:29 Sibbecai the Hushathite,
Ilai the Ahohite; (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 27:4 And ...
/a/aho'hite.htm - 7k

Sib'becai (4 Occurrences)
... the sons of the giant. (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 11:29 Sibbecai the Hushathite,
Ilai the Ahohite; (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 20:4 And it ...
/s/sib'becai.htm - 7k

Sibbecai (5 Occurrences)
... Hushathite, (BBE). 1 Chronicles 11:29 Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS NIV). 1 Chronicles ...
/s/sibbecai.htm - 8k

Sibbechai (4 Occurrences)
... sons of the giant. (KJV DBY WBS YLT). 1 Chronicles 11:29 Sibbechai the
Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite, (DBY). 1 Chronicles 20:4 And ...
/s/sibbechai.htm - 8k

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