Reference: Obed-edom

A Levite, whose special prosperity while keeper of the ark after the dreadful death of Uzziah encouraged David to carry it up to Jerusalem. Obed-edom and his sons were made doorkeepers of the tabernacle at Jerusalem, 2Sa 6:10-12; 15/18/type/common'>1Ch 15:18-24; 16:38; 26:4-8,15.

servant of Edom. (1.) "The Gittite" (probably so called because he was a native of Gath-rimmon), a Levite of the family of the Korhites (1Ch 26:1,4-8), to whom was specially intrusted the custody of the ark (1Ch 15:18). When David was bringing up the ark "from the house of Abinadab, that was in Gibeah" (probably some hill or eminence near Kirjath-jearim), and had reached Nachon's threshing-floor, he became afraid because of the "breach upon Uzzah," and carried it aside into the house of Obededom (2Sa 6:1-12). There it remained for six months, and was to him and his house the occasion of great blessing. David then removed it with great rejoicing to Jerusalem, and set it in the midst of the tabernacle he had pitched for it.

(2.) A Merarite Levite, a temple porter, who with his eight sons guarded the southern gate (8/type/common'>1Ch 15:18,21; 26:4,8,15).

(3.) One who had charge of the temple treasures (2Ch 25:24).

1. A Philistine, a native of Gath, who lived in or near Jerusalem. In his house David deposited the ark after the death of Uzzah, and here it remained three months, bringing a blessing by its presence (2Sa 6:10 f., 1Ch 13:14). It is in all probability the same O. that appears as

OBED-EDOM, son of Jeduthun, a Levite, 1Ch 16:38, and the father of Shemaiah and others, 1Ch 16:5. We learn that the Lord blessed this man exceedingly, on account of the ark resting under his roof, 2Sa 6:10-11. David having removed the ark to the place he had previously prepared for its reception, Obed-Edom and his sons were appointed to be keepers of the doors of the temple, 1Ch 15:18,21. Obed-Edom is called the Gittite, probably because he was of Gathrimmon, a city of the Levites beyond Jordan, Jos 21:24-25.