1 Chronicles 26:5

KJV

Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peulthai the eighth: for God blessed him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ammiel {H5988} the sixth {H8345}, Issachar {H3485} the seventh {H7637}, Peulthai {H6469} the eighth {H8066}: for God {H430} blessed {H1288} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

'Ammi'el the sixth, Yissakhar the seventh, and Pe'ultai the eighth; for God blessed him.

Berean Standard Bible

Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, and Peullethai the eighth. For God had blessed Obed-edom.

American Standard Version

Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peullethai the eighth; for God blessed him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 26:5 concludes a detailed listing of the sons of Obed-Edom who served as gatekeepers, specifically naming Ammiel, Issachar, and Peulthai. This verse attributes their prominent and numerous positions in the Levitical service to a profound divine blessing bestowed upon their family line, highlighting the enduring nature of God's favor and its generational impact on those called to sacred service within the house of the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-26) that meticulously details King David's organization of the Levites for service in the future Temple. Chapters 23-24 outline the divisions of the priests, while chapter 25 focuses on the musicians. Chapter 26, where this verse resides, is dedicated to the gatekeepers and treasurers. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 26:1-19 lists the various gatekeeping families and their assigned duties and gates. Verse 5 completes the enumeration of Obed-Edom’s sons, who are presented as exceptionally numerous and capable, directly linking their capacity for service to a divine blessing. The preceding verse, [1 Chronicles 26:4](/1_chronicles/26-4 "1 Chronicles 26:4 - Sons of Obed-Edom"), introduces Obed-Edom's sons, and this verse continues that list, culminating in the powerful declaration of God's blessing. This immediate context emphasizes the divine hand in the appointment and prosperity of those serving God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the reign of King David, a period of significant organization and preparation for the building of the Temple in Jerusalem. Although the Temple itself was not yet constructed, David meticulously planned its operations, including the roles of the Levites. Gatekeepers in ancient Israel, particularly for sacred spaces like the Tabernacle and later the Temple, held crucial responsibilities. They were not merely guards but also custodians of order, purity, and access, controlling who entered and ensuring the security of sacred offerings and treasures. The mention of Obed-Edom is highly significant: he was the Gittite in whose house the Ark of the Covenant resided for three months after Uzzah's death ([2 Samuel 6:10-11](/2_samuel/6-10 "2 Samuel 6:10-11 - The Ark in Obed-Edom's House")). During this time, [God blessed Obed-Edom and his entire household](/2_samuel/6-11 "God Blesses Obed-Edom"). This verse in 1 Chronicles 26:5 serves as a testament to the enduring nature of that blessing, extending to his descendants and enabling them to serve in vital capacities within the sacred precincts, underscoring a cultural understanding of generational blessing and divine favor.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Hereditary Blessing and Divine Favor**. The explicit statement "for God blessed him" directly connects the numerous and capable descendants of Obed-Edom to the blessing bestowed upon their ancestor, demonstrating that God's favor can extend across generations, equipping descendants for significant service and prosperity. Secondly, it underscores **Faithfulness and Service**. The role of a gatekeeper was vital, requiring trustworthiness, strength, and dedication to maintain the sanctity and security of God's house. Peulthai's appointment, along with his brothers, to this important Levitical duty underscores the lasting impact of his family's faithfulness and God's recognition of it. Finally, the detailed genealogical lists and assignments throughout 1 Chronicles, including this verse, emphasize **God's Organization and Order**. They reveal God's meticulous nature and His desire for structured, orderly worship and service. Every role, no matter how seemingly minor, was important in His grand design, and the blessing ensured the family's capacity to fulfill these roles.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **blessed (Hebrew, בָּרַךְ, _barak_):** This verb signifies more than mere material prosperity; it denotes a divine act of empowerment, favor, and endowment that leads to fruitfulness, abundance, and well-being. In this context, the blessing upon Obed-Edom and his descendants was comprehensive, encompassing not only numerical increase (as seen in the many sons listed in [1 Chronicles 26:4](/1_chronicles/26-4 "1 Chronicles 26:4 - Obed-Edom's Sons")) but also the spiritual and vocational blessing of being chosen, equipped, and enabled for sacred service in the Tabernacle/Temple. It implies a divine enablement for the specific duties of gatekeeping, which required strength, reliability, and spiritual discernment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peulthai the eighth:"** This clause continues the enumeration of Obed-Edom's sons, specifically those who were appointed as gatekeepers. The numerical designation ("the sixth," "the seventh," "the eighth") indicates their order of birth among the sons listed, emphasizing the breadth of Obed-Edom's progeny and the meticulous record-keeping inherent in the Levitical assignments. These individuals were not merely part of a general class but held specific, recognized positions within the ordered structure of the temple service.
* **"for God blessed him."** This powerful concluding phrase provides the theological rationale for the preceding list. The "him" refers back to Obed-Edom, the father, indicating that the remarkable number and capability of his sons, enabling them to fill numerous and important roles as gatekeepers, was a direct consequence of God's prior blessing upon him. This highlights the generational nature of God's favor and how divine blessing can manifest in the equipping of descendants for service. It underscores that their appointment was not merely human organization but divinely ordained and empowered.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Genealogy**, as it is part of an extensive list of names and lineages, a common feature in Chronicles that establishes identity, legitimacy, and divine purpose within a family line. The precise enumeration of sons ("the sixth," "the seventh," "the eighth") demonstrates **Precision** and **Order**, reflecting the meticulous organization of the Temple service under David. The phrase "for God blessed him" functions as a concise **Explanation** or **Justification**, providing the theological reason for the family's prominence and capacity. This also serves as a form of **Emphasis**, drawing attention to the divine origin of their success and service rather than merely their human capabilities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound declaration that "God blessed him" in 1 Chronicles 26:5 reverberates with a deep theological truth about the nature of divine favor and its enduring impact. It illustrates that God's blessings are not always solely material or immediate but can manifest as empowerment for service, generational fruitfulness, and the calling to sacred duties. This verse connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's faithfulness to His covenant people, demonstrating how His promises and favor can extend across generations, equipping individuals and families for their appointed roles in His kingdom. It reminds us that true blessing often involves being positioned and enabled to serve God in meaningful ways, reflecting His meticulous care for His people and His desire for order in worship.

* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abram to Make Him a Great Nation and a Blessing")
* [Psalm 112:2](/psalms/112-2 "The Descendants of the Righteous Will Be Mighty on Earth")
* [Proverbs 10:22](/proverbs/10-22 "The Blessing of the Lord Makes Rich, and He Adds No Sorrow to It")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 26:5 offers a powerful reminder that God's blessings are multifaceted and can extend far beyond our immediate circumstances, impacting future generations in profound ways. The story of Obed-Edom and his blessed descendants serving as gatekeepers challenges us to consider the lasting legacy of our faithfulness. Our obedience, stewardship, and devotion to God today can create a spiritual inheritance that empowers our children and grandchildren for service and purpose in His kingdom. It also teaches us that true blessing is often found in being equipped and called to serve God, regardless of the perceived prominence of the role. Just as God recognized and blessed Obed-Edom's household for their faithful care of the Ark, He continues to bless those who faithfully steward what He entrusts to them, empowering them for every good work and service in His kingdom. We are called to live lives of integrity and devotion, knowing that our faithfulness can have an eternal ripple effect.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of generational blessing in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of God's faithfulness?**
* **In what ways might God be "blessing" you or your family today, not just materially, but in equipping you for service?**
* **What kind of spiritual legacy are you intentionally building for those who come after you?**
* **How does the "gatekeeper" role, though seemingly mundane, highlight the importance of faithfulness in all areas of service to God?**

### FAQ

**Who was Obed-Edom, and why was his family so specifically blessed?**

Answer: Obed-Edom was a Gittite (likely from Gath-Rimmon, a Levitical city) in whose house the Ark of the Covenant was placed for three months after Uzzah's death ([2 Samuel 6:10](/2_samuel/6-10 "2 Samuel 6:10 - The Ark in Obed-Edom's House")). During this period, God "blessed Obed-Edom and all his household" ([2 Samuel 6:11](/2_samuel/6-11 "2 Samuel 6:11 - God Blesses Obed-Edom")). This blessing was so evident that King David heard of it and subsequently brought the Ark to Jerusalem. The specific blessing on his family, as seen in 1 Chronicles 26:5 and [1 Chronicles 26:4](/1_chronicles/26-4 "1 Chronicles 26:4 - Obed-Edom's Sons"), manifested in their numerical increase (eight sons, many capable men) and their appointment to significant and responsible roles as gatekeepers and treasurers in the Temple, demonstrating God's favor for their faithful stewardship and reverence for His holy presence.

**What was the role of a "gatekeeper" in ancient Israel, and why was it important?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, particularly for the Tabernacle and later the Temple, gatekeepers were far more than simple guards. They were responsible for maintaining order, security, and the sanctity of the sacred precincts. Their duties included controlling access to the Temple courts, ensuring only authorized individuals entered, guarding the Temple treasures and offerings, opening and closing the gates, and maintaining cleanliness. This was a highly trusted and vital role, requiring strength, vigilance, and spiritual integrity, as they were the first line of defense against defilement and disorder in God's house. Their importance is underscored by the detailed lists of their divisions and assignments in Chronicles.

**Does God still bless families across generations today, as seen with Obed-Edom's descendants?**

Answer: Yes, the principle of generational blessing, though often understood differently in the New Covenant, still applies. While the Old Testament often emphasized physical and material prosperity, the New Testament highlights spiritual blessings in Christ that extend to those who believe. God remains faithful to His promises, and the spiritual legacy of faithful parents can profoundly impact their descendants, leading them to faith, equipping them for service, and positioning them to receive God's favor. This is not a guarantee of material wealth or a pass from personal responsibility, but rather the ongoing work of God's grace through the influence of godly living, prayer, and discipleship passed down through families, as seen in passages like [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ") and [Psalm 103:17-18](/psalms/103-17 "Psalm 103:17-18 - God's Steadfast Love for Those Who Fear Him").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 26:5, with its emphasis on divine blessing leading to abundant service, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Obed-Edom's family was blessed because they faithfully housed the Ark, the very symbol of God's presence. In the New Covenant, believers are blessed because we are in Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's presence and the ultimate "Ark" of the New Covenant. The blessing upon Obed-Edom's family, enabling them to serve as gatekeepers, foreshadows the spiritual blessings poured out on all who are united with Christ, empowering them for kingdom service. Jesus himself is the "gate" through whom we enter into salvation and abundant life ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Gate")). He is the one who opens the way to God, having perfectly fulfilled the Law and offered the ultimate sacrifice. Through His work, we are not merely assigned a gate but are made part of a royal priesthood and a holy nation, called to proclaim His excellencies ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")). The "blessing" we receive in Christ is comprehensive, encompassing every spiritual blessing ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing")), enabling us to serve God not out of obligation, but out of a Spirit-empowered response to His grace, participating in the building of His eternal spiritual Temple ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Built Together into a Dwelling Place for God")).

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

Psalms 128:1

¶ A Song of degrees. Blessed [is] every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.