Obed-Edom is a significant biblical figure known for his association with the Ark of the Covenant during the reign of King David. He is identified as a Korhite Levite, a member of the Levitical family descended from Kohath, one of the three sons of Levi. The Kohathites were entrusted with the care of the most sacred objects of the tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant.

The Ark of the Covenant and Obed-Edom

The narrative of Obed-Edom is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. His account is closely linked to the transportation of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, an event marked by both divine blessing and judgment.

After the Ark had been captured by the Philistines and subsequently returned to Israel, it remained at the house of Abinadab in Kiriath-jearim for many years (1 Samuel 7:1-2). When King David sought to bring the Ark to Jerusalem, the initial attempt ended in tragedy. Uzzah, one of the men guiding the cart carrying the Ark, touched it to steady it and was struck dead by God for his irreverence (2 Samuel 6:6-7: "But when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen had stumbled. And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down on the spot for his irreverence, and he died there beside the ark of God.").

Fearing further judgment, David decided not to bring the Ark directly into the city of David. Instead, he diverted it to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite, where it stayed for three months (2 Samuel 6:10-11: "So he was unwilling to move the ark of the LORD to the City of David; instead, he took it to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. Thus the ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite for three months, and the LORD blessed him and all his household.").

Blessings Upon Obed-Edom

During the time the Ark was in his care, Obed-Edom and his household experienced extraordinary blessings. This divine favor was a testament to the sanctity of the Ark and the faithfulness of Obed-Edom in revering it. The blessings were so pronounced that they were reported to King David, prompting him to bring the Ark to Jerusalem with great celebration and proper reverence (1 Chronicles 13:14: "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.").

Role in the Temple Service

Obed-Edom's association with the Ark did not end with its removal to Jerusalem. He continued to serve in a significant capacity within the Levitical order. According to 1 Chronicles 15:18 and 15:24, Obed-Edom was appointed as a gatekeeper for the Ark and later as a musician, playing the lyre during the Ark's procession to Jerusalem. His dedication to the service of the Lord is further highlighted in 1 Chronicles 26, where he is listed among the gatekeepers of the temple, a role of great responsibility and honor.

Obed-Edom's legacy is one of faithful service and divine blessing, illustrating the importance of reverence and obedience to God's commands. His account serves as a reminder of the holiness of God and the blessings that come from honoring His presence.2 Samuel 6:12
And it was told king David, saying, The LORD has blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertains to him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness.
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1 Chronicles 15:25
So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the house of Obededom with joy.
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