1 Chronicles 13:14

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.

Study Bible

the ark of God
The "ark of God" refers to the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest built by the Israelites under the guidance of Moses, as described in Exodus 25. The Hebrew word for "ark" is "aron," meaning a chest or box. The Ark symbolized God's presence among His people and contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. Its presence in Obed-edom's house signifies a direct connection to God's holiness and covenant with Israel. The Ark's journey and resting places throughout the Old Testament highlight the importance of reverence and obedience to God's instructions.

remained with the family of Obed-edom
The phrase "remained with the family of Obed-edom" indicates a temporary but significant period during which the Ark was housed with Obed-edom. Obed-edom, a Gittite, was entrusted with the Ark after a tragic incident involving Uzzah, who was struck down for touching the Ark improperly. This highlights the seriousness of God's holiness and the need for proper respect and handling of sacred objects. The Hebrew root for "remained" is "yashab," meaning to sit, dwell, or abide, suggesting a peaceful and purposeful presence of the Ark in Obed-edom's household.

in his house for three months
The Ark's stay "in his house for three months" underscores a period of divine testing and blessing. The number three often signifies completeness or divine perfection in the Bible. During this time, Obed-edom's household experienced God's favor, illustrating the blessings that come from hosting God's presence. This period also served as a time of reflection and preparation for King David, who later successfully transported the Ark to Jerusalem with great celebration and reverence.

and the LORD blessed the household of Obed-edom
The phrase "and the LORD blessed the household of Obed-edom" reveals the tangible benefits of God's presence. The Hebrew word for "blessed" is "barak," which means to kneel, bless, or praise. This blessing was not just spiritual but also material, affecting everything Obed-edom owned. It serves as a testament to the abundant life that flows from living in alignment with God's will and hosting His presence with honor and respect. This blessing was a public testimony to the surrounding community of God's goodness and faithfulness.

and everything he owned
The concluding phrase "and everything he owned" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's blessing. It was not limited to spiritual or personal well-being but extended to all aspects of Obed-edom's life, including his possessions and livelihood. This reflects the biblical principle that God's favor impacts every area of a believer's life, providing protection, prosperity, and peace. It serves as an encouragement to believers that God's presence brings holistic blessings, transforming not only individuals but also their environments and communities.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Obed-edom
A 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 Blessing
Hosting 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 6:11
This 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.