2 Samuel 6:11

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.

Study Bible

the ark of the LORD
The "ark of the LORD" refers to the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest built by the Israelites under the guidance of Moses, as described in Exodus. It symbolized God's presence among His people and contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments. The Hebrew word for "ark" is "aron," meaning a chest or box, signifying its role as a container of divine law and testimony. The Ark's presence was a tangible representation of God's covenant and His holiness, making it central to Israel's worship and identity.

remained in the house
The phrase "remained in the house" indicates a temporary but significant dwelling of the Ark in a private residence. This was not its intended resting place, as the Ark was meant to be housed in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. However, this period of residence in Obed-edom's house highlights God's willingness to dwell among His people, even outside the formal structures of worship. It underscores the idea that God's presence is not confined to a specific location but can bless any place where He is welcomed.

of Obed-edom the Gittite
Obed-edom is identified as "the Gittite," suggesting he was from Gath or a descendant of the Gittites, a Philistine city. This detail is significant because it shows God's blessings extending beyond the ethnic boundaries of Israel. Obed-edom's willingness to host the Ark demonstrates faith and reverence, and his inclusion in this narrative highlights the universal scope of God's grace and favor.

for three months
The "three months" duration signifies a complete and sufficient period for God's blessing to manifest. In biblical terms, the number three often symbolizes completeness or divine perfection. This time frame allowed for the visible and tangible blessings of God to be recognized by Obed-edom and his household, serving as a testament to the power and presence of God.

and the LORD blessed him
The phrase "the LORD blessed him" indicates a direct and personal intervention by God in the life of Obed-edom. The Hebrew word for "blessed" is "barak," which means to kneel, implying a posture of worship and reverence. God's blessing is not merely material but encompasses spiritual and relational prosperity, reflecting His favor and approval.

and all his household
The blessing extended to "all his household" signifies the communal nature of God's favor. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a household included family members, servants, and all who lived under the same roof. This comprehensive blessing illustrates the overflow of God's grace, affecting not just the individual but the entire community connected to him. It serves as a reminder of the far-reaching impact of God's presence and the blessings that flow from living in alignment with His will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Ark of the LORD
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence and covenant with Israel.

2. Obed-edom the Gittite
A Levite who lived in Gath-Rimmon, entrusted with the care of the Ark of the LORD. His household was blessed during the Ark's stay.

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 with Obed-edom.

4. The House of Obed-edom
The location where the Ark was kept for three months, during which time Obed-edom and his household experienced God's blessings.

5. The Blessing
The divine favor and prosperity that came upon Obed-edom's household as a result of the Ark's presence.

Teaching Points

The Presence of God Brings Blessing
The Ark symbolized God's presence, and its stay in Obed-edom's house brought tangible blessings. This teaches us that prioritizing God's presence in our lives can lead to spiritual and material blessings.

Reverence and Proper Handling of Holy Things
David's initial failure to transport the Ark correctly serves as a reminder of the importance of reverence and obedience in our relationship with God.

God's Blessings Extend Beyond Material Wealth
While Obed-edom experienced material blessings, the true blessing was the presence of God. We should seek God's presence for spiritual growth and fulfillment.

Hospitality to God's Presence
Obed-edom's willingness to host the Ark reflects a heart open to God's presence. We should cultivate a welcoming attitude towards God in our homes and lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Obed-edom challenge us to prioritize God's presence in our daily lives?

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 blessings in your life. How did His presence play a role in that experience?

4. How can we cultivate a heart and home that are open and welcoming to God's presence, similar to Obed-edom?

5. What lessons can we learn from David's initial failure and subsequent success in bringing the Ark to Jerusalem, and how can these lessons apply to our spiritual journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Chronicles 13:14
This passage parallels 2 Samuel 6:11, emphasizing the blessing on Obed-edom's household due to the Ark's presence.

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
Celebrates the entrance of the King of Glory, which can be connected to the Ark's journey to Jerusalem as a representation of God's presence entering the city.

Hebrews 9:4
Mentions the contents of the Ark, reinforcing its importance in the Old Covenant and its role in God's relationship with Israel.