The term "Jairite" refers to a descendant or member of the family of Jair, a notable figure in the Old Testament. Jair was a prominent leader in Israel during the period of the Judges, and his lineage is mentioned in various contexts within the biblical narrative.

Biblical References:

1. Jair the Gileadite: Jair is first introduced in the Book of Judges as a Gileadite who judged Israel for twenty-two years. He is noted for having thirty sons who rode thirty donkeys and controlled thirty towns in Gilead, which were called Havvoth Jair, meaning "villages of Jair" (Judges 10:3-5). This account highlights Jair's influence and the extent of his family's control in the region.

2. Jair in the Lineage of Manasseh: Jair is also mentioned in the genealogies of the tribe of Manasseh. In 1 Chronicles 2:21-23, Jair is described as a descendant of Manasseh through his father Segub. He captured the settlements of Gilead and named them after himself, further establishing his legacy in the region.

3. Jairite in the Context of David's Reign: The term "Jairite" is specifically used in 2 Samuel 20:26, where Ira the Jairite is mentioned as a priest or chief minister under King David. This reference indicates that the descendants of Jair continued to hold positions of significance in Israel's leadership.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Jairites, as descendants of Jair, were likely influential in the tribal and political dynamics of ancient Israel. The mention of Jair's sons and their control over towns suggests a structured and possibly semi-autonomous governance within the tribal confederation of Israel. The use of donkeys as a symbol of their status reflects the wealth and authority they possessed.

The Jairites' connection to the tribe of Manasseh situates them within the larger narrative of Israel's settlement in the Promised Land. As part of the half-tribe of Manasseh that settled east of the Jordan River, the Jairites would have played a role in the defense and administration of this frontier region.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the account of Jair and his descendants underscores the theme of God's provision and leadership through appointed judges. Jair's successful leadership and the prosperity of his family are seen as a testament to God's faithfulness to His people during the tumultuous period of the Judges.

The mention of a Jairite serving in King David's administration also highlights the continuity of God's covenantal promises through the Davidic line, as well as the integration of various tribal leaders into the united monarchy of Israel.

In summary, the Jairites represent a significant lineage within the biblical narrative, illustrating themes of leadership, legacy, and divine providence in the history of Israel.Jairite

(descendant of Jair). The IRA THE JAIRITE was a priest (Authorized Version "chief ruler") to David (2 Samuel 20:26)

JAIRITE

ja'-er-it (ya'iri, "of Jair"): In 2 Samuel 20:26, Ira the Jairite is "chief minister unto David." He was a descendant of Jair who was a Manassite (Numbers 32:41, etc.) and whose territory was in Gilead. Septuagint, Lucian, and Syriac suggest yattiri, "Jattirite," i.e. a native of Jattir mentioned in 1 Samuel 30:27 as one of the towns friendly to David when he was in Ziklag. It is not improbable that a native of Jattir would be given such a post by David.

See IRA, and compare 2 Samuel 23:38.

2972. Yairi -- descendant of Jair
... descendant of Jair. Transliteration: Yairi or Yairi Phonetic Spelling: (yaw-ee-ree')
Short Definition: Jairite. ... of Jair NASB Word Usage Jairite (1). Jairite. ...
/hebrew/2972.htm - 6k

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Jairite (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JAIRITE. ... Multi-Version Concordance Jairite (1
Occurrence). 2 Samuel 20:26 and also Ira the Jairite was chief minister to David. ...
/j/jairite.htm - 7k

Ira (6 Occurrences)
... (2.) An Ithrite, also one of David's heroes (2 Samuel 23:38). (3.) A Jairite and
priest, a royal chaplain (2 Samuel 20:26) or confidential adviser (Comp. ...
/i/ira.htm - 10k

Ja'irite (1 Occurrence)
Ja'irite. Jairite, Ja'irite. Jairus . Multi-Version Concordance Ja'irite (1
Occurrence). 2 Samuel 20:26 and also Ira the Jairite was chief minister to David ...
/j/ja'irite.htm - 6k

Ja'ir (8 Occurrences)
Ja'ir. Jair, Ja'ir. Jairite . Multi-Version Concordance Ja'ir (8 Occurrences).
Numbers ... RSV). Jair, Ja'ir. Jairite . Reference Bible.
/j/ja'ir.htm - 8k

Levitical (19 Occurrences)
... 32), Jattir (2 Samuel 20:26, where, as shown in the article PRIESTS AND LEVITES
(which see), Jattirite should be read for the Massoretic Jairite), Beth-shemesh ...
/l/levitical.htm - 20k

Rei (1 Occurrence)
... Winckler (Geschichte, II, 247) identifies him with Ira, the Jairite, who was a
"priest to David" (2 Samuel 20:26 the Revised Version margin); he tries to prove ...
/r/rei.htm - 8k

Abiathar (29 Occurrences)
... the death of Uzza. "And also Ira the Jairite was priest to the king" (2
Samuel 20:26 the English Revised Version). "And Zabud the ...
/a/abiathar.htm - 29k

Addition (112 Occurrences)
... the whole house of Benjamin. (See NAS). 2 Samuel 20:26 And in addition,
Ira the Jairite was a priest to David. (BBE). 1 Kings 2:22 ...
/a/addition.htm - 37k

David's (142 Occurrences)
... ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV). 2 Samuel 20:26 and Ira also, the Jairite, was David's
chief ruler. (DBY RSV NIV). 2 Samuel 21:17 But Abishai ...
/d/david's.htm - 37k

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