Obed-Edom is a minor biblical figure who is mentioned several times in the books of Samuel, Chronicles, and Psalms in the Old Testament. His name means “servant of Edom” or “worshipper of Edom.” Here is an overview of what the Bible reveals about Obed-Edom:
Obed-Edom was a Levite from Gath-rimmon
Obed-Edom is identified as a Levite from the Kohathite clan in 1 Chronicles 26:4. The Kohathites were responsible for moving the most holy artifacts of the tabernacle during the wilderness wanderings (Numbers 4:4-15). Obed-Edom was specifically from the town of Gath-rimmon located in the territory of the half-tribe of Manasseh west of the Jordan (Joshua 21:24-25).
The ark of the covenant was kept at Obed-Edom’s house
When David first attempted to move the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem, the oxen transporting the ark stumbled, and a man named Uzzah steadied the ark with his hand. God struck Uzzah dead for this irreverent act (2 Samuel 6:6-7). David became afraid to move the ark any further and left it at the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months (2 Samuel 6:10).
Having the ark of God’s presence and power at his home for this extended period was a great blessing for Obed-Edom. The Bible says, “the LORD blessed Obed-Edom and all his household” during this time (2 Samuel 6:11). This blessing on Obed-Edom’s family led David to finally fulfill his plan of moving the ark to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:12).
Obed-Edom helped move the ark to Jerusalem
When David prepared to move the ark a second time, Obed-Edom and other Levites were specifically chosen to carry the ark to prevent another irreverent handling of it (1 Chronicles 15:2, 15:24-25). Obed-Edom helped ensure the ark was transported with respect and care into Jerusalem, where David placed it in a tent he made for it (2 Samuel 6:17).
Obed-Edom served as a musician and gatekeeper
1 Chronicles 15:21 identifies Obed-Edom as one of the musicians appointed by David to play musical instruments, specifically the lyre and harp, during the procession of the ark into Jerusalem. Later, 1 Chronicles 26:4 notes Obed-Edom was appointed as a gatekeeper for the tent that David made for the ark in Jerusalem. He served in this role with his 62 relatives who were also gatekeepers (1 Chronicles 26:8).
Obed-Edom’s family served in the temple
Obed-Edom fathered several sons and grandsons who “were able men qualified for the service” in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem to replace the tent and permanently house the ark (1 Chronicles 26:8). Obed-Edom’s descendants served as gatekeepers and administrators over the temple treasuries and storerooms (1 Chronicles 26:15).
The listings of Obed-Edom’s family members and their temple service indicate he was the patriarch of an important family within the tribe of Levi. His hospitality toward the ark of the covenant was richly rewarded with generations of descendants serving in the temple.
Obed-Edom’s name is referenced in Psalms
Psalm 26 is a psalm of David, and verse 8 reads: “O LORD, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells.” The title of this psalm in some ancient manuscripts refers to it as related to “the Obed-Edom.”
While the meaning of this title is uncertain, it suggests a connection between Psalm 26 and David’s decision to bless Obed-Edom by leaving the ark with him for a time before bringing it to dwell in Jerusalem.
Key insights about Obed-Edom
In summary, here are some key insights that can be gained about Obed-Edom from the Bible:
- He was a Levite and specifically a Kohathite – thus he had ancestral duties regarding the transporting of the tabernacle and holy artifacts like the ark.
- Obed-Edom received a great blessing on his household from hosting the ark.
- He helped King David move the ark to Jerusalem with respect and care.
- He was a musician and gatekeeper appointed to serve at the tent housing the ark.
- His family descendants served in official temple roles for many generations.
- A psalm of David could possibly relate to the blessing Obed-Edom received.
Though he is a minor character, Obed-Edom’s legacy illustrates the blessings that come from selflessly serving the Lord. His hospitality and aid to David set his family on a trajectory of faithful temple service for centuries to come.
Obed-Edom in biblical times
To better understand Obed-Edom’s story, it is helpful to examine the background of the historical biblical time period in which he lived:
- Late 11th century BC – The general time scholars believe Obed-Edom lived in.
- Time of the judges – The era after Joshua led the conquest of Canaan but before Israel had a king.
- Philistine dominance – The Philistines were powerful enemies of Israel during this time period.
- Ark at Kiriath-jearim – The ark resided here for 20 years after being captured by the Philistines and returned.
- Saul as king – Saul was the first king who David served under as a young man.
- David’s reign – David established Jerusalem as his capital and wanted to move the ark there.
Obed-Edom was alive during the early reign of King David as he asserted his power and consolidated worship of God at Jerusalem. His assistance with the ark aided this historical transition in Israel’s history.
Theological significance of Obed-Edom
While a minor figure, Obed-Edom’s story has some important theological implications:
- Reverence for God – Unlike Uzzah, Obed-Edom showed necessary reverence in caring for the ark of the covenant.
- Blessing – God blesses those who serve Him well, as seen in the blessing on Obed-Edom’s household.
- Service – Willingness to serve God in small things can lead to generations of faithful service like with Obed-Edom’s family.
- Worship – As a Levite, Obed-Edom played a role in leading Israelites like David in proper worship of God.
All believers can learn from Obed-Edom’s exemplary reverence for God and find encouragement that serving the Lord – even in unsung roles behind the scenes – brings great blessing.
Obed-Edom in commentaries
Bible scholars over the years have made some notable comments about Obed-Edom:
- Philip Henry (1631-1696) – “Wherever the ark goes it makes way for its own entertainment. When it came to Obed-Edom it made its own welcome.”
- Matthew Henry (1662-1714) – “God’s ark should be an ark of safety, not of danger, to those who have a humble awe and reverence for it.”
- Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) – “That which had caused the death of one became the enriching of another.”
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary – Obed-Edom “rejoiced over it as a choice treasure, kept it with the greatest care, and blessed the Lord that sent it to him.”
These perspectives underscore Obed-Edom’s reverent care for the ark as a blessing and example for all believers in how to properly approach and serve the Lord.
Analysis of key verses
Some of the most insightful verses for understanding Obed-Edom include:
So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing. (2 Samuel 6:12)
This verse reveals David’s confidence in finally moving the ark was because of the blessing he saw on Obed-Edom’s household while it was there. Obed-Edom’s reverence led to blessing while Uzzah’s irreverence led to judgement.
Obed-edom and Jeiel the gatekeepers were gatekeepers. The sons of Obed-edom: Shemaiah the firstborn…all these, sons of Obed-edom, were 62. (1 Chronicles 26:4, 8)
These verses demonstrate how Obed-Edom’s family was blessed for generations due to his care for the ark. His descendants faithfully served God for centuries in temple gatekeeper roles.
At that time David appointed…the gatekeepers…Obed-edom and his sixty-eight relatives. (1 Chronicles 15:23-24)
This passage provides more detail on the size of Obed-Edom’s family and the hereditary gatekeeping role they established because of his service with the ark.
Obed-Edom’s character
Though the Bible contains limited information about Obed-Edom, analysis of the verses can yield insight into his character:
- Hospitable – He welcomed the ark of the covenant into his household for an extended stay.
- Faithful – He was committed to carefully guarding and reverencing the ark.
- Humble – There is no record of pride or presumption in his dealings with the ark.
- Helpful – He willingly aided David in achieving his goals regarding the ark.
- Devout – As a Levite, he was dedicated to the service and worship of God.
Obed-Edom’s righteous character provides an example for believers wishing to please God with selfless, humble service behind the scenes.
Interesting facts about Obed-Edom
In addition to key events and character analysis, some interesting miscellaneous facts about Obed-Edom emerge from study of the biblical texts:
- His name means “servant of Edom” – he may have been descended from captives taken by King David from Edom.
- He was the first private individual to host the ark of the covenant in his home.
- Storing the ark brought a three-month long blessing on his household.
- Obed-Edom and his relatives likely comprised a choir or band that performed during the ark’s move.
- His descendants inherited roles managing the temple treasuries for generations.
- A Korahite Levite gatekeeper with the same name served during David’s reign, but it was likely a different Obed-Edom.
Though minor, Obed-Edom has an impressively large family legacy traced over centuries of service after his interaction with the ark of the covenant.
Application for believers today
While a relatively obscure Old Testament figure, Obed-Edom’s story contains valuable lessons for modern-day Christians:
- Treat sacred things like God’s Word and ordinances with great care and reverence.
- Be willing to serve the Lord in modest, behind-the-scenes roles if needed.
- Faithfulness in small things can lead to great blessings from God.
- Guard your heart from pride or presumption before the Lord.
- Cultivate a legacy of faithful service to the Lord among your family.
In a culture that exalts fame and recognition, Obed-Edom provides a model of finding blessing through anonymously serving God with reverence and humility.
Summary of Obed-Edom’s life and legacy
In summary, Obed-Edom was a minor Levitical figure from Gath-rimmon who safely housed the ark of the covenant for three months. He helped King David move the ark to Jerusalem, serving as both a musician and gatekeeper in the tent housing the ark.
Obed-Edom received a great blessing on his large household for his care for the ark. His descendants served as temple gatekeepers and treasury administrators for many generations after his death. Though little-known, Obed-Edom provides an exemplary model of faithful service to the Lord.
His story illustrates how dangerous irreverence can be before the holy things of God. It also demonstrates how richly God blesses those who selflessly serve Him and aid the works of godly leaders like David.
Obed-Edom’s legacy was defined by his gracious hospitality in hosting the ark despite its deadly power. His humble assistance helped David fulfill God’s purposes. Though obscure, Obed-Edom models values like reverence, service, and hospitality that all believers should emulate.