Topical Bible: Blessing: Temporal, from God: To Obed-Edom

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Obed-Edom is a biblical figure whose household experienced significant temporal blessings from God, as recorded in the Old Testament. The account of Obed-Edom is primarily found in the context of the Ark of the Covenant's journey to Jerusalem during the reign of King David.

Context and Background

The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, represented the presence and power of God among the Israelites. During the reign of King David, the Ark was being transported to Jerusalem. However, an incident occurred when Uzzah, one of the men guiding the Ark, touched it to steady it and was struck dead by God for his irreverence (2 Samuel 6:6-7). This event caused David to fear bringing the Ark directly into the city.

The Blessing of Obed-Edom

In response to this fear, David decided to temporarily place the Ark in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. The Bible records that during the time the Ark remained in Obed-Edom's house, God bestowed abundant blessings upon him and his household. The Berean Standard Bible states:

"The Ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months, and the LORD blessed him and all his household" (2 Samuel 6:11).

This blessing was not merely spiritual but also temporal, indicating that Obed-Edom experienced tangible prosperity and well-being during this period. The nature of these blessings is not detailed in the text, but the implication is that they were significant enough to be noticed and reported to King David.

Impact and Significance

The blessings upon Obed-Edom served as a testament to the power and favor of God associated with the Ark. It demonstrated that God's presence, when approached with reverence and obedience, brings prosperity and protection. This incident encouraged David to bring the Ark to Jerusalem with renewed confidence and joy, as he recognized the potential for blessing when God's presence is honored.

The account of Obed-Edom highlights the principle that God's blessings can manifest in temporal, material ways as a result of His presence and favor. It underscores the importance of reverence and obedience in experiencing the fullness of God's blessings. Obed-Edom's experience serves as a reminder of the tangible benefits that can accompany a life aligned with God's will and presence.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 6:11
And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obededom, and all his household.
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Library

The Ark of the House of Obed-Edom
... to the unworthy, was a source of unbroken blessing to him and ... him to look beyond
the things seen and temporal to the exceeding riches at God's right hand. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the ark of the house.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... acknowledged to have been Jacob, who, by his wrestling with God, had obtained ... of
the Shechemites, and the dispersion alluded to in Jacob's blessing (Genesis 49 ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm