1 Chronicles 13:14
And the ark of God remained with the family of Obed-edom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that he had.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּשֶׁב֩
remained
H3427
וַיֵּשֶׁב֩
remained
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
1 of 20
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֜ים
of God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֜ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 20
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
4 of 20
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
בֵּ֥ית
in his house
H1004
בֵּ֥ית
in his house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
5 of 20
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
בֵּ֥ית
in his house
H1004
בֵּ֥ית
in his house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
8 of 20
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה
three
H7969
שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה
three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
9 of 20
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
וַיְבָ֧רֶךְ
blessed
H1288
וַיְבָ֧רֶךְ
blessed
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
11 of 20
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
יְהוָ֛ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֵּ֥ית
in his house
H1004
בֵּ֥ית
in his house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
14 of 20
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
17 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
18 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Proverbs 10:22The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.Genesis 39:5And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.Genesis 30:27And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.
Historical Context
Obed-edom was a Gittite (from Gath-rimmon), a Levitical city. His three-month guardianship of the ark (c. 1002 BC) bridged David's failed and successful attempts. The visible blessing on his household testified that proper treatment of sacred things brings divine favor, not judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does observing God's blessing on others' obedience instruct our own worship?
- What 'proper procedures' in spiritual life have you neglected despite knowing better?
Analysis & Commentary
And the ark of God remained with the family of Obed-edom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that he had—After Uzzah's death frightened David, the ark diverted to Obed-edom's home. The Hebrew barak ('blessed') indicates comprehensive prosperity. This Gittite Levite (15:18) properly honored the ark, receiving blessing David had sought improperly.
The principle is profound: God's presence brings blessing when approached rightly. Obed-edom's obedience contrasted with the expedition's earlier presumption. His blessing became the catalyst for David's renewed attempt (15:25), this time following proper procedures. Sometimes God uses others' blessing to rebuke our disobedience and teach right worship.