King James Version
What Does 1 Chronicles 13:14 Mean?
“And the ark of God remained with the family of Obededom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obededom, and all that he had.”
1 Chronicles 13:14 · KJV
Context
12
And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?
13
So David brought not the ark home to himself to the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite. brought: Heb. removed
14
And the ark of God remained with the family of Obededom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obededom, and all that he had.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd 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.
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.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural 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.
Reflection Questions
- 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?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 20 wordsוַיֵּשֶׁב֩1 of 20
“remained”
H3427properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֜ים3 of 20
“of God”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
עִם4 of 20
H5973adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
בֵּ֥ית5 of 20
“in his house”
H1004a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
עֹבֵ֥ד6 of 20
H0בֵּ֥ית8 of 20
“in his house”
H1004a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וַיְבָ֧רֶךְ11 of 20
“blessed”
H1288to 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
יְהוָ֛ה12 of 20
“And the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת13 of 20
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֵּ֥ית14 of 20
“in his house”
H1004a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
עֹבֵֽד15 of 20
H0וְאֶת17 of 20
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל18 of 20
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר19 of 20
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֽוֹ׃20 of 20
H0Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
1 Chronicles 13:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 1 Chronicles 13:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge