1 Chronicles 26:4

And Obed-edom also had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sachar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth,

Study Bible

The sons of Obed-edom
This phrase introduces us to the lineage of Obed-edom, a significant figure in the history of Israel. Obed-edom was a Levite, and his household was blessed by God when the Ark of the Covenant was kept in his home (2 Samuel 6:11). The mention of his sons here highlights the continuation of God's blessing through his lineage. In a broader sense, it underscores the importance of faithfulness and service to God, as Obed-edom's family was entrusted with the sacred duty of guarding the temple treasures.

Shemaiah the firstborn
The name Shemaiah means "heard by Yahweh" in Hebrew. Being the firstborn, Shemaiah would have held a place of prominence and responsibility within the family. This reflects the biblical principle of the firstborn's special role in inheritance and leadership, as seen throughout Scripture. It serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to God's voice and being responsive to His call, as Shemaiah's name suggests.

Jehozabad the second
Jehozabad means "Yahweh has bestowed" or "Yahweh has given." This name signifies the recognition of God's providence and generosity. As the second son, Jehozabad would have been an integral part of the family structure, supporting his elder brother and contributing to the family's duties. His name encourages believers to acknowledge and be grateful for the blessings and gifts that God bestows upon His people.

Joah the third
The name Joah means "Yahweh is brother" or "Yahweh is kin." This name emphasizes the closeness and familial relationship that God desires with His people. As the third son, Joah's role would have been to support and uphold the family legacy. His name serves as a reminder of the intimate relationship believers are called to have with God, recognizing Him as a close and caring presence in their lives.

Sacar the fourth
Sacar means "wages" or "reward" in Hebrew. The mention of Sacar as the fourth son highlights the idea of reward and recompense, which is a recurring theme in the Bible. It suggests that faithful service and dedication to God's work do not go unnoticed and that there is a divine reward for those who diligently seek Him. Sacar's name inspires believers to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting that God will reward their efforts in His perfect timing.

Nethanel the fifth
Nethanel means "gift of God." As the fifth son, Nethanel's name underscores the concept of grace and divine gifting. It reflects the biblical truth that every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17). Nethanel's inclusion in this lineage serves as a reminder of the abundant grace that God extends to His people, encouraging believers to recognize and cherish the gifts they have received from the Lord.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Obed-edom
A Levite who was entrusted with the Ark of the Covenant. His household was blessed by God during the time the Ark was in his care.

2. Shemaiah
The firstborn son of Obed-edom, indicating a position of leadership and responsibility within the family.

3. Jehozabad
The second son of Obed-edom, part of the lineage that served in the temple.

4. Joah
The third son, contributing to the family’s legacy of service.

5. Sacar and Nethanel
The fourth and fifth sons, respectively, each playing a role in the Levitical duties.

Teaching Points

Faithfulness in Service
Obed-edom and his sons exemplify the importance of faithfully serving God. Their dedication led to blessings, showing that God honors those who serve Him with sincerity.

Generational Blessings
The passage highlights how the faithfulness of one generation can impact the next. Obed-edom's faithfulness resulted in his sons being involved in temple service, illustrating the concept of generational blessings.

Leadership and Responsibility
As the firstborn, Shemaiah had a special role, reminding us of the responsibilities that come with leadership positions in our families and communities.

God’s Presence Brings Blessing
The presence of the Ark in Obed-edom’s house brought blessings, symbolizing how God’s presence in our lives leads to spiritual and sometimes material blessings.

Diversity in Service
Each son had a role, showing that there are diverse ways to serve God. This encourages us to find our unique place in God’s work.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Obed-edom and his sons encourage us to be faithful in our service to God?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our faith positively impacts the next generation, as seen in the family of Obed-edom?

3. What responsibilities come with leadership in our families or church communities, and how can we fulfill them faithfully?

4. How can we cultivate an awareness of God’s presence in our daily lives, and what blessings might this bring?

5. Reflect on the different roles within your church or community. How can you contribute uniquely to God’s work, similar to the sons of Obed-edom?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Chronicles 13:14
This verse describes how the Ark of the Covenant was kept in the house of Obed-edom, and the Lord blessed his household. This connection highlights the faithfulness and blessing associated with Obed-edom's family.

2 Samuel 6:11
Similar to 1 Chronicles 13:14, this passage also recounts the blessing upon Obed-edom's household due to the presence of the Ark.

Psalm 84:10
This verse speaks to the joy and blessing of serving in the house of the Lord, which can be related to the service of Obed-edom and his sons.