1 Chronicles 26:15

KJV

To Obededom southward; and to his sons the house of Asuppim.

KJV (with Strong's)

To Obededom {H5654} southward {H5045}; and to his sons {H1121} the house {H1004} of Asuppim {H624}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'Oved-Edom was allotted the south gate and his sons the storehouse.

Berean Standard Bible

The lot for the South Gate fell to Obed-edom, and the lot for the storehouses to his sons.

American Standard Version

To Obed-edom southward; and to his sons the store-house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 26:15 details the specific assignment of Obed-Edom's descendants, particularly his sons, to the southern gate and the "house of Asuppim" within the Temple complex. This verse is part of King David's meticulous organization of the Levitical divisions, highlighting the strategic and trusted roles of gatekeepers and treasurers in preparing for the future Temple service, and underscoring the enduring blessing upon Obed-Edom's faithful household.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-26) that meticulously details King David's comprehensive organization of the Levites in his old age. Having received the plans for the Temple from God, David ensures that every aspect of its future service is orderly and well-managed. Chapter 26 specifically focuses on the divisions of the gatekeepers, outlining their families, numbers, and assigned posts. Verses 1-19 list the various gatekeepers, with Obed-Edom's family prominently featured due to their large numbers and the divine blessing they had received. Verse 15, therefore, specifies a particular, highly responsible role within this elaborate administrative structure for a key branch of this blessed lineage.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the end of King David's reign, a period of immense preparation for the Temple that his son Solomon would build. In ancient Israel, the Temple was the central hub of religious, social, and economic life. The Levites, as a tribe set apart for sacred service, performed various crucial functions, from priestly duties to musical worship, and significantly, the management and security of the sanctuary. Gatekeepers were far more than mere guards; they controlled access to various courts, managed offerings, maintained order, and served as administrators. The "house of Asuppim" points to a specific treasury or storehouse, indicating the vital role of financial and logistical stewardship within the Temple's operations, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern temples.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it exemplifies **Divine Blessing and Faithfulness**, as the prominence of Obed-Edom's family is a direct continuation of the blessing they received for faithfully hosting the Ark of the Covenant ([2 Samuel 6:11](/2_samuel/6-11 "2 Samuel 6:11 - God's Blessing on Obed-Edom"); [1 Chronicles 13:14](/1_chronicles/13-14 "1 Chronicles 13:14 - Obed-Edom and the Ark")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Order and Organization in Worship**, showcasing David's meticulous planning to ensure that God's house would be served with reverence and efficiency. Every role, no matter how seemingly minor, was carefully assigned to contribute to the overall sacred function. Lastly, the mention of "the house of Asuppim" highlights the theme of **Stewardship of Temple Resources**, emphasizing the importance of integrity and diligence in managing the material and financial provisions dedicated to God's service.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Obededom (Hebrew, _‘Ōṿēḏ ’Ĕḏōm'_):** Meaning "Servant of Edom" or "Servant of the Lord," Obed-Edom was a Gittite (likely from Gath-Rimmon, a Levitical city) who famously hosted the Ark of the Covenant for three months after Uzzah's death. During this period, God profoundly blessed his household, making him a symbol of divine favor and the prosperity that accompanies reverence for God's presence. His family's prominent assignment in 1 Chronicles 26, particularly their numerous and capable descendants, is presented as a direct, generational continuation of this initial blessing and faithfulness.
* **Asuppim (Hebrew, _’ăsuppîm'_):** This term literally translates to "gatherings," "collections," or "storehouses." In the context of the Temple, "the house of Asuppim" refers to a specific area, chamber, or building within the Temple complex designated for the storage of offerings, tithes, holy vessels, precious metals, and other provisions essential for the Temple's maintenance and sacrificial system. The assignment of Obed-Edom's sons to this "house" signifies a role of significant trust and responsibility in the financial and logistical administration of the sanctuary.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To Obededom southward;":** This clause specifies a particular directional assignment for the descendants of Obed-Edom. "Southward" likely refers to a specific gate or area on the southern side of the Temple precinct. This indicates that their role as gatekeepers was not merely general but involved a designated and strategic post, implying a specific area of responsibility within the larger Temple complex.
* **"and to his sons the house of Asuppim.":** This second clause clarifies the precise nature of the responsibility entrusted to Obed-Edom's numerous sons. The phrase "the house of Asuppim" identifies the Temple treasuries or storehouses as their domain. This means their duties extended beyond simply guarding a gate; they were also responsible for the management, inventory, and security of the Temple's vast resources, including offerings, tithes, and sacred vessels. This was a position requiring great integrity, diligence, and administrative skill.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler's account in 1 Chronicles 26:15, as part of the broader administrative lists, employs several literary devices. **Detailing** is paramount, as the text meticulously enumerates families, assignments, and locations, emphasizing the comprehensive and orderly nature of David's preparations for the Temple. This precise listing functions almost as an **inventory**, underscoring the importance of every role within God's service. The emphasis on Obed-Edom's family, particularly their numerous and capable descendants, serves as a powerful instance of **Divine Favor and Blessing**, reinforcing the narrative of God honoring faithfulness. The mention of "the house of Asuppim" functions as **Metonymy**, where the place (the storehouse) stands for the function (treasury management), highlighting the practical and vital administrative duties of the gatekeepers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 26:15, while seemingly an administrative detail, profoundly illustrates God's principle of honoring faithfulness and the importance of order in divine service. The continued prominence and significant responsibilities entrusted to Obed-Edom's family, generations after his initial act of hospitality toward the Ark, serve as a powerful testament to God's enduring blessing upon those who revere His presence and serve Him diligently. This passage underscores that every role within God's kingdom, from the most visible to the seemingly mundane, is vital and contributes to the overall function and glory of His house. The meticulous organization of the Temple service reflects God's own character of order and His desire for His people to approach Him with reverence and structure.

* [Psalm 84:10](/psalms/84-10 "Psalm 84:10 - Better a Doorkeeper in the House of God")
* [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Malachi 3:10 - Bring the Whole Tithe into the Storehouse")
* [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Let All Things Be Done Decently and in Order")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers timeless lessons for believers today. Just as Obed-Edom's faithfulness in a seemingly temporary task led to lasting blessing and significant responsibility for his descendants, so too does God honor our faithfulness in the "small things." Every act of service, whether visible or hidden, contributes to the overall health and effectiveness of God's kingdom. The "house of Asuppim" serves as a powerful reminder of our call to faithful stewardship—not just of financial resources, but of our time, talents, spiritual gifts, and relationships. We are entrusted with divine provisions to manage for God's glory, and integrity in these areas is a sacred trust. This passage encourages us to embrace our unique roles within the body of Christ with diligence and joy, knowing that our service, when rendered faithfully, contributes to the beautiful order and purpose of God's redemptive plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the story of Obed-Edom's family encourage me to be faithful in the seemingly small or less visible acts of service God has called me to?**
* **What "house of Asuppim"—whether it be financial resources, spiritual gifts, or personal talents—has God entrusted to me, and how am I demonstrating faithful stewardship of these provisions?**
* **In what ways can I contribute to greater order, excellence, and reverence in my local church or community, recognizing that every role is vital to God's work?**

### FAQ
**Who was Obed-Edom, and why was his family so prominent in the Temple organization?**

Answer: Obed-Edom was a Gittite (likely a Levite from Gath-Rimmon) who became a pivotal figure when he hosted the Ark of the Covenant for three months after Uzzah's death, during its journey to Jerusalem. While the Ark resided in his home, God profoundly blessed Obed-Edom and his entire household ([2 Samuel 6:11](/2_samuel/6-11 "2 Samuel 6:11 - God's Blessing on Obed-Edom"); [1 Chronicles 13:14](/1_chronicles/13-14 "1 Chronicles 13:14 - Obed-Edom and the Ark")). This divine favor led to his family's enduring prominence. Generations later, his numerous and capable descendants were entrusted with significant, highly responsible roles as gatekeepers and treasurers in the Temple service, underscoring that God honors faithfulness with lasting blessing and increased opportunities for service.

**What was the "house of Asuppim," and what was its significance?**

Answer: The "house of Asuppim" (Hebrew: _’ăsuppîm_) literally translates to "house of gatherings" or "storehouses." It refers to a specific area or building within the Temple complex designated for the storage and management of offerings, tithes, holy vessels, and other valuable provisions necessary for the Temple's ongoing operations and sacrificial system. The assignment of Obed-Edom's sons to this "house" in 1 Chronicles 26:15 signifies a crucial role in the logistical and financial administration of the sanctuary. It highlights the importance of faithful stewardship of God's resources and the meticulous planning required to maintain the sacred space and its services.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous organization of the Temple service, including the roles of gatekeepers and treasurers like Obed-Edom's sons, points forward to the ultimate order and perfection found in Christ. The Old Testament Temple, with its gates and storehouses, was a shadow of the true spiritual reality. Jesus Christ is the ultimate "Gate" through whom we gain access to God ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Gate")). He is also the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")), fulfilling the concept of the "house of Asuppim" as the repository of all spiritual riches. In Christ, we become living stones in a spiritual house ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")), serving not in a physical temple, but in the spiritual reality of His body, the Church. The faithfulness of Obed-Edom foreshadows Christ's perfect obedience, which opened the way into the true sanctuary, God's presence, for all who believe ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God")). Our New Covenant service is a spiritual stewardship, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as we manage the spiritual gifts and resources given to us for the building up of God's eternal kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 25:24

And [he took] all the gold and the silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of God with Obededom, and the treasures of the king's house, the hostages also, and returned to Samaria.

1 Chronicles 26:17

Eastward [were] six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and toward Asuppim two [and] two.