By means of the ark "the thoughts of many hearts" were "revealed." Whilst Uzzah treated it with irreverence, and David regarded it with dread, Obed-Edom the Gittite (of Gath-rimmon) received it" with reverence and godly fear." He was a Levite, and (like Samuel) of the sons of Korah, a branch of the Kohathites, whose office it was to "bear upon their shoulders" (Numbers 7:9); and is subsequently mentioned as porter (musician), and doorkeeper of the ark (1 Chronicles 15:18, 21, 24; 1 Chronicles 16:5, 38; perhaps "the son of Jeduthun"). He did not seek to have the ark placed under his care; but, when requested by the king, he was not afraid to receive it, well knowing "that, although God is a consuming fire to those who treat him with irreverence, he is infinite in mercy to those who obey him." "Oh, the courage of an honest and faithful heart!" (Hall). The ark in the house of Obed-Edom may be considered as representing religion in the home; and wherever it truly dwells there is:

1. A consciousness of the presence of God; of which the ark was the divinely ordained symbol As often as he and his household looked upon the sacred vessel, mysteriously veiled with its blue covering, they would be the more deeply impressed with the conviction of that presence. We have no longer the symbol; but we have the spiritual reality which it signified; the one is taken away that the other may be more fully recognized, and its recognition cannot but produce in the home thoughtfulness, reverence, and self-restraint.

2. Obedience to his commandments; which were deposited in the ark (2 Chronicles 2:10). The Law must be written on the fleshy tablets of the heart; made the rule of life; and diligently taught to the children (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). The sins which it forbids will thus be avoided, the virtues which it enjoins practised; "righteousness, goodness, and truth," the foundation on which the home is built; and the will of God being recognized as supreme, order and harmony will prevail.

3. Confidence in his mercy; according to the appointed method of reconciliation set forth by the mercy seat, and fulfilled in Christ (Romans 3:25; 2 Corinthians 5:19; 1 John 2:1). The fatherly love of God, being "known and believed," becomes a perpetual incentive to love God and one another (Ephesians 4:32; Romans 13:10). The pervading element of the home should be love. "Jesus Christ - Love; the same."

4. The enjoyment of his fellowship; which was assured at the mercy seat. "There will I commune with thee" (Exodus 25:22). "Communion with God is the very innermost essence of all true Christian life;" and it is maintained and perfected in the home by family prayer (ver. 20).

5. Repose under his protection; represented by the overshadowing cherubim. While Obed-Edom guarded the ark of God, he was himself guarded by the God of the ark. "The Lord is thy Keeper" (Psalm 121:5). "He shall give his angels charge over thee," etc. (Psalm 91:1, 11).

6. The reception of his blessing. "And Jehovah blessed Obed-Edom, and all his household" (ver. 11), "all that he had" (1 Chronicles 13:14) - blessed him with spiritual, providential, enduring benefits (1 Chronicles 26:4-8). "It paid well for its entertainment. The same hand that punished Uzzah's proud presumption rewarded Obed-Edom's humble boldness, and made the ark to him 'a savour of life unto life'" (Matthew Henry). "A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children" (Proverbs 13:22; Psalm 102:28).

7. The promotion of his honour and glory. "And it was told King David," etc. Religion in the home "cannot be hid;" the fame thereof goes abroad and incites many - perchance a whole nation - to render to God the honour which is his due, "so that glory may dwell in our land." - D.

How much we owe to the "asides" of God. Obed-edom owed the benediction which descended upon his house to this "aside." God's way through life is thus wondrous: always indeed one great line of progress, yet who can count the detours which He makes, the asides, the incidental variations, the small things which men regarded as unworthy of notice, — who can tell how all these are wrought up into a comprehensive revelation of wisdom and love. If we only took the things which came to us on the great main thoroughfares of life, some people would hardly be blessed at all. A study of the "asides" of life would confirm us in our general Christian faith.

(J. Parker, D. D.)