Obed-Edom

"The Gittite" (probably so called because he was a native of Gath-rimmon), a Levite of the family of the Korhites,1 to whom was specially entrusted the custody of the ark.2 When David was bringing up the ark "from the house of Abinadab, that was in Gibeah," and had reached Nachon's threshing-floor, he became afraid because of the "breach upon Uzzah." Uzzah, one of the cart drivers, had put his hand upon the ark to prevent it from falling and was immediately struck dead. David called the name of the place Perez-uzzah. Thus David dared not take the ark into his city, but instead carried it into the house of Obed-Edom. There it remained for three months, and was to him and his house the occasion of great blessing.3 According to the Sages, his eight daughters-in-law bore him grandchildren on a monthly basis during that time.

David then removed it with great rejoicing to Jerusalem, and set it in the midst of the tabernacle he had pitched for it.

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References

Notes

  1. 1 Chr. 26:1, 4-8.
  2. 1 Chr. 15:18.
  3. 2 Sam. 6:1-12.

Source

  • Easton, M.G. (1897). Easton's Bible Dictionary. New York: Harper & Brothers.

This article incorporates text from Easton’s Bible Dictionary (1897) by M.G. Easton, which is in the public domain.