2 Samuel 20:26 kjv
And Ira also the Jairite was a chief ruler about David.
2 Samuel 20:26 nkjv
and Ira the Jairite was a chief minister under David.
2 Samuel 20:26 niv
and Ira the Jairite was David's priest.
2 Samuel 20:26 esv
and Ira the Jairite was also David's priest.
2 Samuel 20:26 nlt
And Ira, a descendant of Jair, was David's personal priest.
2 Samuel 20 26 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference ||--------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|| 2 Sam 8:18 | "...and David’s sons were priests." (NIV translation variation: chief officials) | David's innovation regarding 'kohen' role || 1 Chr 18:17 | Parallel passage to 2 Sam 8:18, emphasizing similar administrative structure. | Confirms expanded meaning of 'kohen' role || 2 Sam 23:38 | Ira the Jairite is listed among David’s Mighty Men, one of the Thirty. | Ira's valor and loyalty to David confirmed || 1 Chr 11:40 | Parallel passage to 2 Sam 23:38, confirms Ira among David's heroes. | Reinforces Ira's trusted warrior status || 1 Kgs 4:1-6 | Solomon's officials list; demonstrates ongoing structure of royal service. | Continuation of royal administrative pattern || Deut 17:9-11 | Priests and judges to handle disputes and provide counsel. | Priests as sources of wisdom and guidance || 1 Sam 2:35 | Prophecy of a faithful priest who will minister before God's anointed. | Anticipation of loyal service to the king || Prov 22:29 | "Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings..." | Merit leads to proximity to leadership || Prov 25:6-7 | Not to exalt oneself in the king's presence but await invitation. | Proper conduct in royal service || Ezra 7:6 | Ezra, a scribe skillful in the Law of Moses, was favored by the king. | Skilled individuals gaining royal favor || Neh 1:11 | Nehemiah as cupbearer seeking favor with the king. | Close attendants to the king || 2 Sam 15:32 | David meets Hushai, the Archite, whom he asks to return and advise. | King's trusted personal advisers || 2 Sam 16:16-19 | Hushai feigns loyalty to Absalom to protect David. | Loyalty and counsel to the king || Ex 28:1 | Aaron and his sons set apart for priestly service. | Formal Aaronic priesthood foundation || Num 3:5-10 | Levites assigned to assist Aaron and his sons in tabernacle service. | Designated roles for holy service || Lev 8 | Consecration of Aaron and his sons for priestly office. | Ritual purity and specific duties of priests || 1 Chr 28:9 | David charges Solomon to serve God with a loyal heart. | Importance of sincere service to God/king || Heb 4:14-16 | Jesus our High Priest who intercedes for us. | Ultimate High Priest and royal intercessor || Rev 1:6 | Believers made into a kingdom of priests for God. | Spiritual priesthood of all believers || 1 Pet 2:9 | Believers as a "royal priesthood," set apart for God's purposes. | Collective priesthood and sacred service || Eph 6:7 | "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people." | Motivation for service to authority figures || Col 3:23-24 | "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord..."| Service to others as service to God |
2 Samuel 20 verses
2 Samuel 20 26 Meaning
2 Samuel 20:26 states that Ira the Jairite served as a chief minister or personal priest to King David. This verse concludes a listing of key officials in David's administration, appearing immediately after the account of Sheba's rebellion and Joab's decisive action. Ira's position indicates a high level of trust and intimate access to David, distinct from the formal temple priesthood held by Zadok and Abiathar, yet implying a significant spiritual and advisory role within the royal court.
2 Samuel 20 26 Context
2 Samuel chapter 20 concludes a turbulent period in David's reign, immediately following Absalom's rebellion (2 Sam 15-19) and the subsequent uprising led by Sheba (2 Sam 20:1-22). This chapter depicts Joab's strategic competence in suppressing the rebellion, reinforcing the stability of David's reign, albeit through violent means. Verse 26, the final verse of the chapter, then shifts abruptly from the narrative of conflict to list a single, key official, Ira the Jairite, who serves directly "to David." This inclusion signifies the established, stable structure of David's court returning after the chaos. It highlights the continued importance of individuals like Ira, who, despite not being a Levite or of priestly lineage in the traditional sense, held a role crucial to the functioning and perhaps spiritual well-being of the king's inner circle. The lists of officials (like in 2 Sam 8:16-18) were common ways to highlight the administrative capacity and divine order established by a monarch.
Word Analysis
- And Ira (וְגַם֙ עִירָא֙ - wəḡam ʿîrāʾ): "And Ira also." The addition of "also" (וְגַם֙ - wəḡam) suggests this list is supplemental or that Ira's inclusion at the end holds particular significance. Ira is not mentioned among the traditional royal officials earlier (2 Sam 8:16-18; 1 Chr 18:15-17). This unique placement implies a role that transcended standard categories, highlighting his personal relationship with David. His name, Ira, meaning "town" or "vigilant," suggests his place or character.
- the Jairite (הַיָּאִרִ֗י - hāyaʾirî): This refers to Ira's lineage or place of origin, connecting him to Jair. Jair was a notable figure, possibly a judge in Gilead (Judg 10:3-5), whose descendants were associated with regions east of the Jordan, often known for their strength and military prowess. His tribal origin (possibly from Manasseh through Gilead) emphasizes his non-Levitical background, making his "priestly" role exceptional. This also underscores David's willingness to appoint trusted individuals based on their loyalty and capability rather than strict tribal or hereditary qualifications for specific functions within his personal court.
- was chief minister to David / also was priest to David (הָיָה֙ כֹּהֵ֣ן לְדָוִֽד - hāyāh kōhēn ləḏāwḏ): The critical term here is כֹּהֵ֣ן (kōhēn), typically translated as "priest." However, its application to Ira is distinct from the formal Levitical priesthood of Zadok and Abiathar (who held the traditional, cultic roles). In other contexts, this term is also applied to David's own sons (2 Sam 8:18), where many modern translations render it as "chief ministers" or "princes," acknowledging a broader meaning beyond exclusive ritual functions. In Ira's case, it suggests a confidential advisor with a "sacred" function, acting as a personal chaplain, spiritual counselor, or royal emissary in matters requiring divine oversight, perhaps involving personal prayer for the king, blessing the king, or offering counsel regarding divine will, similar to how priests offered instruction. This role was personal and dedicated "to David" (ləḏāwḏ), indicating his unique position within the king's immediate sphere.
2 Samuel 20 26 Commentary
Ira the Jairite's designation as a "chief minister" or "personal priest" to David in 2 Samuel 20:26 provides insight into the nature of royal service in ancient Israel and David's distinctive leadership style. This single verse highlights the fluidity of titles and roles within David's court, particularly concerning the term kohen. Unlike the hereditary Levitical priests who served in the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), Ira, a proven warrior from among David's Mighty Men, held a close, personalized "priestly" advisory role to the king. This demonstrates David's pragmatism and trust in loyal, capable individuals, transcending strict genealogical boundaries for positions of intimate service. Ira’s presence at the close of a list of officials following intense rebellion signifies stability and the consolidation of power through personal loyalty. It reflects a practical adaptation of leadership structures, where a king could have both formal religious leaders for public worship and private, trusted spiritual advisors for personal counsel and intercession. It underscores that true service to the anointed of God extends beyond formal ritual, encompassing loyalty, wisdom, and devoted assistance to leadership.
Bonus Section
- The versatility of the term kohen highlights how specific terms in the Bible can have both primary and secondary meanings based on context. While usually referring to cultic priests from Aaron's line, here, and with David's sons, it likely denotes a high-ranking, intimate servant of the king, possibly with a special anointing or spiritual role within the royal household, without performing cultic sacrifices. This interpretation is often supported by ancient translations like the Septuagint.
- Ira's inclusion at the very end of 2 Samuel chapter 20, following intense national crisis, provides a concluding statement of peace and consolidated power under David. The final official listed is one of close, personal attachment, symbolizing the restored harmony and secure leadership that the king enjoyed.
- This verse subtly reinforces David's role as a man "after God's own heart," demonstrating his unique leadership which sometimes innovated upon established norms (like appointment of non-Levitical "priests" to royal service) while maintaining a focus on divine will and personal faithfulness. It's a testament to his charisma and ability to command deep personal loyalty.