1 Chronicles 26:4

KJV

Moreover the sons of Obededom [were], Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, and Sacar the fourth, and Nethaneel the fifth,

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover the sons {H1121} of Obededom {H5654} were, Shemaiah {H8098} the firstborn {H1060}, Jehozabad {H3075} the second {H8145}, Joah {H3098} the third {H7992}, and Sacar {H7940} the fourth {H7243}, and Nethaneel {H5417} the fifth {H2549},

Complete Jewish Bible

'Oved-Edom had sons: Sh'ma'yah the firstborn, Y'hozavad the second son, Yo'ach the third, Sakhar the fourth, N'tan'el the fifth,

Berean Standard Bible

And Obed-edom also had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sachar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth,

American Standard Version

And Obed-edom had sons: Shemaiah the first-born, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, and Sacar the fourth, and Nethanel the fifth,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 26:4 meticulously lists the first five sons of Obed-Edom: Shemaiah, Jehozabad, Joah, Sacar, and Nethaneel, in order of their birth. This verse is part of a larger section detailing King David's comprehensive organization of the Levites for temple service, specifically highlighting the lineage of Obed-Edom's family, who were entrusted with significant responsibilities, particularly as gatekeepers, a testament to God's enduring blessing upon their ancestor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within 1 Chronicles 23-26, a detailed account of King David's meticulous organization of the Levites into various divisions for temple service. Chapters 23-24 focus on the priests and general Levitical duties, while chapters 25-26 delineate the musicians and gatekeepers, respectively. Specifically, [1 Chronicles 26](/1_chronicles/26 "1 Chronicles 26 - Divisions of the Gatekeepers") details the divisions of the gatekeepers, and verse 4 introduces the prominent family of Obed-Edom, whose lineage and subsequent responsibilities are further elaborated in the following verses, particularly [1 Chronicles 26:8](/1_chronicles/26-8 "1 Chronicles 26:8 - Obed-Edom's Numerous and Capable Descendants"). The inclusion of this specific family, with their numerous and capable descendants, directly follows the historical account of God's blessing upon Obed-Edom for faithfully housing the Ark of the Covenant, as recorded in [2 Samuel 6:11-12](/2_samuel/6-11 "2 Samuel 6:11-12 - God Blesses Obed-Edom's Household").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King David, though not permitted to build the Temple himself, devoted significant effort to preparing for its construction and operation, including establishing a highly organized and hereditary system for the Levites. This period marks a transition from a more nomadic worship (the tabernacle) to a fixed, centralized place of worship in Jerusalem. Gatekeepers in ancient Israel were not merely guards; they held positions of considerable trust and responsibility, overseeing access to sacred spaces, managing temple treasuries, and sometimes even acting as judges or administrators. The emphasis on lineage and birth order in this verse reflects the importance of tribal and family identity in ancient Israelite society, especially concerning hereditary priestly and Levitical roles.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles. First, it underscores the theme of **Divine Blessing and Legacy**, demonstrating how God's favor, bestowed upon Obed-Edom for his faithfulness, extended across generations to his descendants, granting them esteemed positions in the temple service. Second, it highlights **Order and Organization** in worship, as David's meticulous planning ensured that every role, from the most prominent to the seemingly mundane, was accounted for and filled by specific individuals. This reflects God's character as a God of order. Third, it subtly reinforces the principle of **Faithfulness Rewarded**, as Obed-Edom's initial obedience paved the way for his family's enduring service and prominence within the Levitical structure. The detailed listing of names, as seen in other genealogical records like [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The Census of Israel"), also emphasizes the importance of individual identity and accountability within the communal covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Obededom (עֹבֵד אֱדֹם, _‘Ōvēḏ ‘Ĕḏōm'_):** This name means "Servant of Edom" or "Servant of the Red One." While the etymology might suggest a foreign connection, in the biblical narrative, Obed-Edom is a Gittite (from Gath), and his significance lies in his faithfulness in housing the Ark of the Covenant for three months, during which time God greatly blessed his household ([2 Samuel 6:11](/2_samuel/6-11 "2 Samuel 6:11 - God's Blessing on Obed-Edom")). His name here serves as a powerful reminder of God's tangible blessing and the subsequent elevation of his family to a position of trust and service.
* **Shemaiah (שְׁמַעְיָה, _Šəma‘yāh'_):** Meaning "Heard by Yah" or "Yah has heard," this is a common theophoric name in ancient Israel, incorporating a form of the divine name Yahweh. Its presence as the firstborn's name subtly reinforces the idea of divine attentiveness and perhaps a connection to prayer or divine response, though the verse primarily focuses on his position in the birth order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover the sons of Obededom [were],"**: This introductory clause establishes the subject of the verse, linking the following list of names directly to Obed-Edom, the individual previously blessed by God for his care of the Ark. It signals a continuation of the narrative concerning his family's prominence and role within the Levitical organization.
* **"Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, and Sacar the fourth, and Nethaneel the fifth,"**: This segment meticulously lists the first five of Obed-Edom's sons by name, explicitly stating their birth order. This detailed enumeration serves to identify the individuals who would form the core of the gatekeeping divisions. The precision reflects the chronicler's concern for historical accuracy and the orderly nature of David's administration, ensuring that each person's place within God's service was clearly defined and recorded.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 26:4 is **Enumeration** or **List-Making**. This device is characteristic of the Chronicler's style, particularly in the early chapters, where genealogies and detailed organizational structures are presented. The precise listing of names and their birth order serves to emphasize the systematic nature of David's preparations for the temple, highlighting the importance of every individual within the divine plan. This meticulous **Record-Keeping** also lends an air of authenticity and historical reliability to the account. While seemingly dry, the detailed listing carries an **Implicit Narrative** of divine blessing and generational faithfulness, connecting the current roles of Obed-Edom's descendants to the earlier account of God's favor upon their ancestor. The device of **Repetition** ("the firstborn," "the second," etc.) further reinforces the structured and orderly presentation of the family lineage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple genealogical listing in 1 Chronicles 26:4 carries profound theological weight, affirming God's meticulous care, His faithfulness to those who honor Him, and the principle of generational blessing. The elevation of Obed-Edom's family to positions of significant trust within the temple service—a direct consequence of their ancestor's brief but faithful stewardship of the Ark—illustrates that God remembers and rewards obedience, often extending His favor to future generations. This verse underscores the idea that every role in God's house, even that of a gatekeeper, is vital and esteemed in His eyes, reflecting His divine order and the importance of every individual contribution to His kingdom. It reminds us that God is a God of detail, who knows His servants by name and assigns them specific tasks within His grand design.

* [2 Samuel 6:11](/2_samuel/6-11 "2 Samuel 6:11 - God's Blessing on Obed-Edom")
* [1 Chronicles 26:8](/1_chronicles/26-8 "1 Chronicles 26:8 - Obed-Edom's Numerous and Capable Descendants")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Church's Edification")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 26:4 is a genealogical record, it offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order and purpose, who meticulously plans and equips His people for service. Just as each son of Obed-Edom had a specific place and responsibility, so too does every member of the body of Christ have a vital role, regardless of its perceived prominence. No task is insignificant when done for the Lord with faithfulness and a heart of service. Furthermore, this verse powerfully illustrates the concept of generational impact: Obed-Edom's faithfulness in a seemingly small act of hospitality for the Ark resulted in lasting blessings and esteemed service for his descendants. This encourages us to live lives of integrity and devotion, understanding that our obedience today can lay a spiritual foundation and leave a positive legacy for those who come after us, impacting not just our immediate families but also the broader community of faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed record-keeping in this verse affirm God's personal knowledge and care for each individual in His service?**
* **In what ways can our faithfulness today contribute to a lasting spiritual legacy for future generations, much like Obed-Edom's?**
* **How does understanding the value of "gatekeepers" in ancient Israel challenge our perception of "important" versus "unimportant" roles within the church today?**

### FAQ
**Why is this detailed list of names included in the Bible?**

Answer: The inclusion of this detailed list of names in 1 Chronicles 26:4 serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on **divine order and organization** within the Levitical service, demonstrating how King David meticulously prepared for the future Temple. Every individual, even those in seemingly less prominent roles like gatekeepers, was accounted for and had a specific place in God's house. Secondly, it highlights the **importance of lineage and heredity** in ancient Israel, particularly for the Levitical roles, ensuring the continuity and legitimacy of the temple staff. Thirdly, and perhaps most significantly, it serves as a powerful testament to **God's blessing and faithfulness** to Obed-Edom. As recorded in [2 Samuel 6:11](/2_samuel/6-11 "God's Blessing on Obed-Edom"), God greatly blessed Obed-Edom's household because he faithfully housed the Ark of the Covenant. This verse, along with [1 Chronicles 26:8](/1_chronicles/26-8 "Obed-Edom's Numerous and Capable Descendants"), shows that this blessing extended across generations, elevating his numerous and capable descendants to positions of trust and responsibility within the Temple.

**What was the significance of Obed-Edom's family in the context of the Temple service?**

Answer: Obed-Edom's family held a uniquely significant position in the Temple service primarily due to the divine blessing bestowed upon their ancestor. Obed-Edom, a Gittite, was chosen to house the Ark of the Covenant for three months after Uzzah's death, and during this time, God "blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that belonged to him" ([2 Samuel 6:11](/2_samuel/6-11 "God's Blessing on Obed-Edom")). This extraordinary blessing resulted in a large and capable family, as highlighted in [1 Chronicles 26:8](/1_chronicles/26-8 "Obed-Edom's Numerous and Capable Descendants"), where it states that all his descendants were "mighty men of strength for service." Consequently, David entrusted them with highly responsible roles as **gatekeepers** for the Temple. These gatekeepers were not just guards but also administrators, overseeing the entrances, exits, and often the treasuries of the Temple, ensuring order and security for the sacred space. Their appointment was a direct manifestation of God's faithfulness in rewarding obedience and extending His favor through generations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous organization of the Levitical service, exemplified by the detailed listing of Obed-Edom's sons in 1 Chronicles 26:4, points to the perfect order and purposeful design of God's redemptive plan, which finds its ultimate culmination in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament Temple, with its gatekeepers and various ministries, was a shadow of the spiritual reality of God's dwelling among His people. Obed-Edom's family was blessed for housing the physical Ark, representing God's presence, foreshadowing the ultimate blessing found in Christ, who is the true dwelling place of God's presence among humanity, the Word made flesh who "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Just as the gatekeepers ensured proper access to the earthly sanctuary, Jesus declares Himself to be the "door" or "gate" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door")), through whom all believers gain access to the Father and eternal life. The diverse roles assigned to Obed-Edom's descendants prefigure the diverse spiritual gifts and ministries within the New Testament church, the spiritual temple built upon Christ as the cornerstone, where every member, from the most visible to the seemingly "behind-the-scenes," contributes to the building up of the body of Christ ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Apostles and Prophets, Christ Jesus Himself Being the Cornerstone"); [Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Gifts for the Church's Edification")). The generational blessing experienced by Obed-Edom's family finds its ultimate and eternal fulfillment in the spiritual inheritance and abundant blessings available to all who are "in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")), a blessing that transcends lineage and is freely given through faith.

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.