Thus the ark of God remained with the family of Obed-edom in his house for three months, and the LORD blessed his household and everything he owned. Thus the ark of God remained with the family of Obed-edom in his house for three monthsThe ark of God, representing God's presence and covenant with Israel, was temporarily housed with Obed-edom after a failed attempt to transport it to Jerusalem. Obed-edom was a Gittite, possibly indicating he was from Gath, a Philistine city, or a Levite from the Levitical city of Gath-rimmon. The ark's stay for three months signifies a period of divine testing and blessing, reminiscent of other biblical periods of three months, such as Moses' concealment as a baby (Exodus 2:2) and Mary's visit to Elizabeth (Luke 1:56). This time frame underscores God's grace and the importance of proper reverence and handling of sacred objects. and the LORD blessed his household and everything he owned Persons / Places / Events 1. Obed-edomA Levite from the family of Korah, who was entrusted with the care of the Ark of the Covenant. His house was blessed by God during the Ark's stay. 2. The Ark of God The sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence and covenant with Israel. 3. David The King of Israel who sought to bring the Ark to Jerusalem but initially failed due to improper handling, leading to its temporary stay at Obed-edom's house. 4. The House of Obed-edom The location where the Ark stayed for three months, during which time God blessed Obed-edom and his household. 5. The LORD's Blessing The divine favor and prosperity granted to Obed-edom and his household as a result of hosting the Ark. Teaching Points The Presence of God Brings BlessingHosting the Ark, a symbol of God's presence, brought tangible blessings to Obed-edom's household. This illustrates the principle that God's presence in our lives leads to spiritual and sometimes material blessings. Reverence and Proper Handling of Holy Things The initial mishandling of the Ark by David's men serves as a reminder of the importance of reverence and obedience to God's instructions in our worship and daily lives. God's Blessing Extends Beyond Material Wealth While Obed-edom experienced material blessings, the greater blessing was the presence of God Himself. This teaches us to seek God's presence above all else. Faithfulness in Small Things Leads to Greater Opportunities Obed-edom's faithfulness in caring for the Ark led to blessings. Similarly, our faithfulness in small responsibilities can lead to greater opportunities in God's kingdom. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the account of Obed-edom challenge us to prioritize God's presence in our homes and lives today?2. In what ways can we ensure that we are handling the things of God with the reverence and respect they deserve? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's blessing in your life. How did His presence make a difference? 4. How can we cultivate an attitude of faithfulness in the small tasks God has given us, and what might be the potential outcomes? 5. What are some practical steps we can take to invite and maintain God's presence in our daily lives, drawing from the example of Obed-edom? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 6:11This parallel account also describes the Ark's stay at Obed-edom's house and the blessings that followed, emphasizing God's favor. Exodus 25:22 Describes the Ark as the place where God would meet with Moses, highlighting its significance as a symbol of God's presence. Psalm 24:7-10 A psalm of David that celebrates the entrance of the King of Glory, often associated with the Ark's journey to Jerusalem. Hebrews 9:4 Mentions the contents of the Ark, underscoring its importance in the Old Covenant and its symbolic fulfillment in Christ.
People Abinadab, Ahio, David, Hemath, Israelites, Levites, Obededom, Perez, Saul, Uzza, UzzahPlaces Baalah, Egypt, Hebron, Kiriath-jearim, Lebo-hamath, Nile River, Perez-uzzaTopics Ark, Blessed, Blesseth, Blessing, Dwelleth, Family, Household, Months, Obededom, Obed-edom, O'bed-e'dom, ThusDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Chronicles 13:14 5339 home Library Importance of Small Things in ReligionYou have before you now the picture. I shall want you to look at it, first, in detail, to bring out certain truths which I think it teaches to us; and then, I shall want you to regard the picture as a whole, to run your eye along the whole length of the canvas, and sea the fullness of its meaning. I. First, then, we shall take THE PICTURE IN ITS DETAIL. 1. The first observation I make upon it is this, that God's judgment of sin must differ exceedingly from ours. Who among us when be has read this … Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 6: 1860 Emmaus. Kiriath-Jearim. Of Preparation. Chronicles Links 1 Chronicles 13:14 NIV1 Chronicles 13:14 NLT 1 Chronicles 13:14 ESV 1 Chronicles 13:14 NASB 1 Chronicles 13:14 KJV 1 Chronicles 13:14 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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