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There lies much meaning in the simple words, "God blessed him" (ver. 5). They refer to Obed-edom, and may remind us -

I. THAT IT IS THE ACCOMPANIMENT OF A RIGHT STATE OF HEART TOWARD GOD. Obed-edom had taken the ark into his house when God "made a breach upon Uzza" (1 Chronicles 13:11). He then and thus gained the favour of Jehovah, not indeed by the mere fact that the ark of the covenant was under his roof, but because his readiness to receive and preserve it was the expression of a true and genuine piety (see homily in loc.). If our "heart is right in the sight of God," so that we are eager to render to him or to his cause any service we can bring, we are then in that spiritual condition in which we may look for the Divine blessing. It is not any one single action, but a right relation of soul to God, that draws down his abiding favour.

II. THAT IT TAKES VARIOUS FORMS WITH US, AS IT DID IN ANCIENT TIMES.

1. The temporal forms it assumed then. These were:

(1) Family mercies - God blessed Obed-edom by enlarging his household (vers. 4, 5), and giving him descendants of whom he could be proud (vers. 6-8).

(2) Military reputation-some were "mighty men of valour" (ver. 6.)

(3) Bodily vigour - others were "able men for strength for the service' (ver. 8).

(4) Posts of special honour - others were "over the treasures of the dedicated things" (vers. 20-28). God may grant us his blessing in much the same way now; but while we gratefully accept it and conscientiously use it, if he does so bestow it, we must not reckon on these lower manifestations of his Divine regard. We are on sure ground when we speak of:

2. The spiritual forms it assumes now. They are such as these:

(1) Concord and piety in the home;

(2) reputation for devoted service of Christ;

(3) capacity for holy usefulness;

(4) trustfulness. These are blessings which correspond with those of the older dispensation, but which take a more spiritual form. They are blessings which fill the heart rather than the hand, benedictions of "the kingdom of heaven" rather than bestowments of the monarchy of earth. If it can be said of any of us, in any large and full sense, that "God blessed him," such a one will be the recipient of other bestowments beside these - of

(5) rest of heart in Christ;

(6) joy of faithful and loving service;

(7) hope of eternal glory. - C.

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KJV: Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.

WEB: For the divisions of the doorkeepers: of the Korahites, Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.