They faithfully served King David, demonstrating how every person’s commitment can support God’s mission.
Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite. (v.40) This verse is part of a listing of the “mighty men” who served under King David, who reigned over Israel around 1010-970 BC. Ira and Gareb are each identified by their tribal affiliation as “Ithrite,” linking them to a group or lineage within the tribe of Judah. Though the verse itself provides little more than their names, their placement in this honor roll underscores their valued position in David’s circle of loyal warriors, reminiscent of the comprehensive list also found in 2 Samuel 23:38.
The geographic origin of the Ithrites is not explicitly detailed in Scripture, but their name indicates association with a specific clan group in or near the territory traditionally allocated to Judah. The tribe of Judah occupied a large portion of southern Israel, encompassing Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Hebron. Being connected to such a region hints that Ira and Gareb played an important role in defending David’s kingdom in the southern part of Israel, where many of David’s earliest supporters resided.
In a broader theological context, these two men, like all of David’s mighty warriors, demonstrate the strong bonds of loyalty and faithfulness that supported God’s chosen king. Their inclusion in Scripture stands as a reminder of how God can work through dedicated individuals, each with a unique story and heritage, to accomplish His purposes. This theme of faithfulness echoes in the New Testament, reminding believers that every follower of Christ contributes to the body of Christ, just as Ira and Gareb contributed to David’s forces (1 Corinthians 12:12-14).
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1 Chronicles 11:40 meaning
Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite. (v.40) This verse is part of a listing of the “mighty men” who served under King David, who reigned over Israel around 1010-970 BC. Ira and Gareb are each identified by their tribal affiliation as “Ithrite,” linking them to a group or lineage within the tribe of Judah. Though the verse itself provides little more than their names, their placement in this honor roll underscores their valued position in David’s circle of loyal warriors, reminiscent of the comprehensive list also found in 2 Samuel 23:38.
The geographic origin of the Ithrites is not explicitly detailed in Scripture, but their name indicates association with a specific clan group in or near the territory traditionally allocated to Judah. The tribe of Judah occupied a large portion of southern Israel, encompassing Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Hebron. Being connected to such a region hints that Ira and Gareb played an important role in defending David’s kingdom in the southern part of Israel, where many of David’s earliest supporters resided.
In a broader theological context, these two men, like all of David’s mighty warriors, demonstrate the strong bonds of loyalty and faithfulness that supported God’s chosen king. Their inclusion in Scripture stands as a reminder of how God can work through dedicated individuals, each with a unique story and heritage, to accomplish His purposes. This theme of faithfulness echoes in the New Testament, reminding believers that every follower of Christ contributes to the body of Christ, just as Ira and Gareb contributed to David’s forces (1 Corinthians 12:12-14).