Obed-Edom hosted the ark of the Lord in his household for three months. David left it there after the death of one of the carriers, needing to pause and reassess his plans for the ark. Meanwhile, during those three months the Lord blessed Obed-Edom and all his household:

Obed-Edom’s son Shemaiah also had sons, who were leaders in their father’s family…All these were descendants of Obed-Edom; they and their sons and their relatives were capable men with the strength to do the work—descendants of Obed-Edom, 62 in all.

Obed-Edom’s decision to take in the ark, a white-hot instrument of the Lord’s presence, represented a huge risk. Already one man died merely reaching out to steady the ark when it rocked on a cart. How dangerous was this thing?

But trusting in the Lord’s goodness, Obed-Edom opened his home. As a result God blessed him and his family, who in turn graced those around them with their strength and abilities. They were placed in positions of trust in the sanctuary built to house the ark and worship the Lord.

Our choice to host the Lord in our homes rubs off on others. Decisions to follow God wholeheartedly, despite the risks, benefit our families and friends. Move closer to the Lord, and watch the flow of his blessing widen to those around you.

1 Chronicles 26 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Chris Liverani