What qualities made the sons of Obed-Edom "capable men with strength for service"? Context: Meeting Obed-Edom’s Family 2 Samuel 6:11; 1 Chronicles 13:14 “The ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months, and the LORD blessed Obed-edom and all his household.” Living three months with the Ark shaped an entire household. The sons who grew up under that blessing later stepped forward for temple service (1 Chronicles 26). Text in Focus “All these were descendants of Obed-edom; they and their sons and relatives were capable men with the strength to do the work; Obed-edom had sixty-two descendants in all.” What Made Them “Capable Men with Strength for Service” • Reverence for God’s Presence – Their earliest memories included the Ark in their living room. Awe became normal life. – Psalm 24:3-4 shows that those who approach God must have clean hands and pure hearts; the sons learned that standard at home. • God’s Ongoing Blessing – 1 Chronicles 26:5 repeats, “for God had blessed Obed-edom.” The same favor flowed to his children (Proverbs 20:7). – The blessing produced capacity, not complacency. • Trained for Service from Childhood – Their names appear among musicians and gatekeepers (1 Chronicles 15:18, 21). Skill was developed long before temple duty. – 1 Timothy 4:7-8 stresses disciplined training; the sons lived it. • Physical and Spiritual Strength – “Strength to do the work” points to vigor of body and soul (Colossians 1:29). – Service at the gates demanded alertness, courage, and endurance (Nehemiah 7:3). • United Family Loyalty – “Sons and relatives” worked side by side—62 in all. Unity multiplies strength (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). – Their solidarity protected the holy things entrusted to them. • Leadership Tempered by Humility – Shemaiah’s sons “were leaders” (1 Chronicles 26:6), yet they served as doorkeepers, a humble post (Psalm 84:10). – Mark 10:43-45: true greatness is servant-leadership. • Faithfulness Over Time – Decades separate 2 Samuel 6 from 1 Chronicles 26. Consistency turned early blessing into mature capability (Luke 16:10). Living Out the Lesson The sons of Obed-Edom show how reverence, blessing, disciplined training, strength, unity, humble leadership, and steadfast faithfulness produce believers “capable…with strength to do the work.” 1 Peter 4:10-11 calls every servant of Christ to the same pattern—using God-given ability for God-directed service so “in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” |
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