Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Samuel 20:26

And Ira also the Jairite was a chief ruler about David.

26. a chief ruler about David ] Minister to David. The post formerly held by David’s sons. See on ch. 2Sa 8:18.

Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

Ira the Jairite – Not mentioned before: perhaps the same as Ira an Ithrite (marginal reference), i. e., an inhabitant of Jattir in the hill country of Judah Jos 15:48; 1Sa 30:27. Perhaps we ought to read Ithrite, for Jairite.

A chief ruler … about David – More simply and clearly, was Davids kohen (2Sa 8:18 note). In the early part oph Davids reign his own ons were kohen (chief rulers). The deaths of Amnon and Absalom, and the dissensions in the family, had probably caused the change of policy in this respect.

Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible

Verse 26. Ira – was a chief ruler about David.] The Hebrew is cohen ledavid, a priest to David; and so the Vulgate, Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic. The Chaldee has rab, a prince, or chief. He was probably a sort of domestic chaplain to the king. We know that the kings of Judah had their seers, which is nearly the same: Gad was David’s seer, 2Sa 24:11, and Jeduthun was the seer of King Josiah, 2Ch 35:16.

The conclusion of this chapter is very similar to the conclusion of 2Sa 8:16-18, where see the notes.

Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible

The Jairite; so called from his birth or dwelling in the country of Jair in Gilead, Num 32:41; Jdg 10:4.

A chief ruler; either the president of the kings council; or his chief minister (as the Hebrew word cohen signifies) of state, instead of Ahithophel; or in some other very high place near the kings person. Compare 2Sa 8:18, where this title is given to Davids sons, the chief of which were now cut off. And these things are here repeated with some alteration to show that David was now fully re-established in his former estate.

Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole

And Ira also the Jairite,…. Which some take to be the same with Ira the Ithrite, 2Sa 23:38; a son of Jether or Ithra the Israelite, 2Sa 17:25; though others suppose he was Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, 2Sa 23:26; and so the Targum here calls him Ira the Jairite, which was of Tekoah; and Tekoah being the chief place in Israel for oil olive d, with which the lamps were lighted, Jarchi thinks he had the name of Jairite from Jair, which signifies to enlighten; but rather he was a descendant from Jair the Gileadite, and perhaps was a great friend to David when in Gilead, and from whence he brought him and promoted him: for he

was a chief ruler about David; a prime minister, an intimate friend, the chief of his privy council; perhaps he succeeded Ahithophel; it is much we hear nothing of Hushai.

d Misn. Menachot, c. 8. sect. 3.

Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible

(26) Ira also the Jairite.He is not mentioned in the other lists of the kings officers; Ira, an Ithrite, is found in the list of Davids thirty and seven heroes in 2Sa. 23:38, but there is no ground for identifying the two persons. On the office of chief ruler, or cohen, see Note on 2Sa. 8:18. Earlier in Davids reign the office had been occupied by his own sons, but the murder of the eldest, the rebellion and death of Absalom, and other disorders in his household had led apparently to a change.

Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)

26. Ira the Jairite He either took the place of David’s sons, or was added to their number as a private counsellor. See on chap. 2Sa 8:18. Of his personal history we know nothing beyond this single fact. The Ithrite of this name, mentioned 2Sa 23:38, was, perhaps, a different person.

Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

REFLECTIONS

READER! though the perusal of this chapter before us opens a renewed occasion for reflecting on the troubles of David; yet, I pass by the consideration of these things, for the present, in order to direct your attention, and my own, to the contemplation of our adorable JESUS, in that sweet and most invaluable part of his character of Mediator, which the view of the wise woman in Abel of Beth maachan naturally suggests. If it be pleasant to see this mother in Israel, saving a city by her interposition; think, Reader, how very delightful ought it to be, to behold JESUS saving a world, by the exercise of this glorious office. He came in the name of JEHOVAH, proposing terms of peace. And such terms as astonished angels. Not that one of our rebellious Chieftans, like Sheba, should be given up: Not that a thousand, or ten thousand should die to ransom the rest; though that had been an unspeakable mercy. But that He, the gracious, the merciful, the mighty Ambassador would mediate peace, and reconciliation, by the gift and sacrifice of himself. Well might the prophet exclaim, Wonder O heavens, and be astonished, O earth!

But, oh! thou precious JESUS! while I fall before thy footstool, overpowered with wonder and astonishment in the prospect of this mercy, I behold, with increasing love and surprise, the manner of thy gracious performance of the work.

Yes! dearest LORD! as my soul gazes on thy sacred Person as the Mediator, fully qualified, and fully prepared, as GOD and Man in one Person, to the office; I look also, until my whole-soul is lost, and overwhelmed in the view, with what infinite wisdom, tenderness, love, and pity, thou earnest to propose the terms, lay the foundation, and complete the whole work, for delivering thy people from the wrath to come. Be thou eternally praised; eternally loved; eternally adored, for this thy gracious interposition! My soul, on knees of holy transport, thankfulness, and joy, accepts thee, LORD, with all thy works of grace, desiring in time, and to all eternity, to bless and praise GOD for his unspeakable gift!

Reader! think, if it be possible, how it must grieve his HOLY SPIRIT, when sinners neglect, and despise this great salvation! Think! how unalterable must be their state, whom, in consequence thereof, he leaves to wander and perish!

Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)

2Sa 20:26 And Ira also the Jairite was a chief ruler about David.

Ver. 26. Was a chief ruler about David, ] Heb., A prince, or a priest: whence some make him president of the council; others, the king’s chaplain or his almoner; others, his peculiar and familiar friend. a

a Amicus intimus et consiliarius. – Vat.

Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)