1 Chronicles 26:8

Translation
King James Version
All these of the sons of Obededom: they and their sons and their brethren, able men for strength for the service, were threescore and two of Obededom.
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KJV (with Strong's)
All these of the sons H1121 of Obededom H5654: they and their sons H1121 and their brethren H251, able H2428 men H376 for strength H3581 for the service H5656, were threescore H8346 and two H8147 of Obededom H5654.
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Complete Jewish Bible
These were all from the sons of 'Oved-Edom, they and their sons and brothers, men of ability and strength for service, sixty-two from 'Oved-Edom.
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Berean Standard Bible
All these were descendants of Obed-edom; they and their sons and brothers were capable men with strength to do the work—62 in all from Obed-edom.
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American Standard Version
All these were of the sons of Obed-edom: they and their sons and their brethren, able men in strength for the service; threescore and two of Obed-edom.
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World English Bible Messianic
All these were of the sons of Obed-Edom: they and their sons and their brothers, able men in strength for the service; sixty-two of Obed-Edom.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
All these were of the sonnes of Obed Edom, they and their sonnes and their brethren mightie and strong to serue, euen three score and two of Obed Edom.
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Young's Literal Translation
all these are of the sons of Obed-Edom; they, and their sons, and their brethren, men of valour with might for service, are sixty and two of Obed-Edom.
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See also
1 Corinthians 12:41 Corinthians 12:112 Corinthians 3:61 Peter 4:11Matthew 25:15
In the KJVVerse 11,086 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 26:8 concludes a detailed enumeration of the gatekeepers and treasurers appointed by King David, specifically highlighting the descendants of Obed-Edom. This verse underscores the remarkable blessing of God upon Obed-Edom's household, manifesting in a large number of strong, capable men—sixty-two in total—who were qualified and dedicated to serving in the sacred duties of the tabernacle. It emphasizes the generational faithfulness and the divine provision of personnel for the organized worship life of Israel.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is situated within a larger, meticulously organized section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-26) that details King David's extensive preparations for the future temple, focusing on the organization and duties of the Levites and priests. Chapter 26 specifically delineates the divisions of the gatekeepers and treasurers, listing the various families assigned to these crucial roles, their numbers, and their specific responsibilities. Verses 4-7 provide a detailed genealogy of Obed-Edom's sons and their numerous offspring, setting the stage for verse 8, which serves as a summarizing statement for his entire family contingent. This detailed accounting underscores the Chronicler's overarching emphasis on order, lineage, and the proper, legitimate administration of temple worship—themes of paramount importance to his post-exilic audience, who were focused on rebuilding and re-establishing their spiritual identity and practices. The Chronicler meticulously records these details to demonstrate God's faithfulness in providing for His house and to offer a blueprint for organized worship.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The events described unfold during the latter part of King David's reign, a period marked by significant national consolidation and administrative organization. Having successfully brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and established a central sanctuary, David turned his attention to preparing for the construction of the permanent temple and organizing its future operations. The Levites were indispensable in this grand endeavor, fulfilling a wide array of roles including temple administrators, musicians, gatekeepers, and treasurers. The phrase "able men for strength" reflects the practical demands of these positions, which required not only physical robustness for security and handling valuable offerings but also moral integrity and competence to maintain order and sanctity within the sacred precincts. In ancient Near Eastern societies, a large, strong family was universally recognized as a sign of divine favor and a vital source of communal strength and influence. The meticulous record-keeping of lineages and numerical counts, as seen here, was a common administrative practice, reflecting the importance of identity, inheritance, and the fulfillment of civic and religious duties.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several foundational themes within the book of 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it prominently highlights Divine Blessing and Fruitfulness, presenting the extraordinary number of capable men in Obed-Edom's lineage as a direct manifestation of God's favor upon him for his faithful stewardship of the Ark of the Covenant (compare 2 Samuel 6:11 and 1 Chronicles 13:14). This serves as a powerful illustration of God's principle of honoring those who honor Him. Secondly, it underscores the theme of Service and Dedication, emphasizing that these men were specifically "able... for the service," indicating their qualification, availability, and commitment to their sacred duties. Their role as gatekeepers was not merely a physical task but an integral part of maintaining the sanctity and order of God's dwelling place. Thirdly, the verse exemplifies Generational Faithfulness, as "they and their sons and their brethren" were all involved, demonstrating a multi-generational commitment to the Lord's work, a testament to the spiritual legacy passed down through Obed-Edom's family. Finally, it speaks to Order and Organization in worship, as it is part of David's meticulous efforts to establish a well-ordered system for the temple, ensuring that all duties were covered by qualified personnel and that the worship of God would be conducted with reverence and precision, a model for the post-exilic community (see 1 Chronicles 23).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Obededom (Hebrew, ʻÔbêḏ ʼĔḏôwm', H5654): From Strong's H5654, this name literally means "worker of Edom." However, in the biblical narrative, Obed-Edom, a Levite, became synonymous with divine blessing and faithfulness. He famously housed the Ark of the Covenant for three months after Uzzah's death, during which time "the Lord blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that he had" (2 Samuel 6:11). The Chronicler highlights this blessing as the foundational reason for the extraordinary number of his descendants dedicated to temple service, transforming his name into a powerful symbol of divine favor bestowed upon faithful stewardship and reverence for God's presence.
  • Able men for strength (Hebrew, 'îysh ḥayil kôaḥ', H376): This compound phrase describes the exceptional qualities of Obed-Edom's descendants. 'îysh (H376, "a man as an individual or a male person") establishes their identity as male individuals. ḥayil (H2428, "force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength") describes their "able" quality, denoting valor, capability, and effectiveness, often used for trustworthy individuals suitable for leadership (e.g., Exodus 18:21). kôaḥ (H3581, "vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce); ability, able, might, power, strength") further emphasizes their physical vigor, inherent capacity, and robust power. Together, the phrase paints a vivid picture of individuals who were not only physically robust but also morally upright, courageous, and highly competent—qualities essential for maintaining order, security, and integrity within the sacred precincts of the tabernacle/temple.
  • Service (Hebrew, ‘ăḇōḏâ', H5656): From Strong's H5656, this term broadly refers to "work of any kind; labour, ministering(-try), office, service." In the specific context of the tabernacle and future temple, ‘ăḇōḏâ carries a specialized meaning of sacred service or ministry. It encompasses all the duties performed by the priests and Levites, from carrying the Ark to guarding the gates, managing offerings, and leading worship. The use of ‘ăḇōḏâ here underscores that the strength and capability of Obed-Edom's descendants were not for personal gain or secular pursuits, but were consecrated entirely to the divine purpose of maintaining God's house and facilitating the worship of the Israelite community.

Verse Breakdown

  • "All these of the sons of Obededom:" This introductory phrase functions as a clear summation, drawing together the previously enumerated descendants of Obed-Edom (1 Chronicles 26:4-7). It emphasizes that the subsequent count encompasses the entirety of his male lineage dedicated to this specific role, highlighting the collective strength and purpose derived from a single, divinely blessed family line.
  • "they and their sons and their brethren," This clause further clarifies the comprehensive scope of the count, indicating a multi-generational inclusion. "They" refers to Obed-Edom's direct sons, "their sons" denotes his grandsons, and "their brethren" likely refers to other male relatives within the broader family structure, such as cousins or nephews, all united by their shared lineage and their collective dedication to sacred service. This highlights the extensive nature of the divine blessing and the widespread participation of the family in the duties of the Lord's house.
  • "able men for strength for the service," This descriptive phrase provides the essential qualification and designated purpose of these individuals. As explored in the "Key Word Analysis," "able men for strength" signifies their physical prowess, moral integrity, and overall competence, making them suitable for demanding roles. The concluding phrase "for the service" explicitly states their designated function: they were equipped and dedicated specifically for the sacred duties associated with the tabernacle, underscoring their integral role in the organized and reverent worship of God.
  • "[were] threescore and two of Obededom." This final clause provides the precise numerical total: sixty-two. The number is significant not only for its size, indicating a particularly large and robust family contingent, but also for its precision, reflecting the meticulous record-keeping characteristic of the Chronicler. It serves as a tangible testament to the abundant blessing of God upon Obed-Edom's faithfulness, manifesting in a substantial and dedicated workforce for His house, ensuring that the temple duties could be carried out effectively.

Literary Devices

The Chronicler employs several literary devices in 1 Chronicles 26:8 to effectively convey its message. Enumeration is the overarching device, as this verse is the culmination of a detailed list of individuals and their numbers, emphasizing order, thoroughness, and comprehensive organization within David's preparations. The repetition of "Obededom" at the beginning and end of the verse creates a strong sense of Inclusio or Bookending, drawing attention back to the patriarch and underscoring that the entire contingent's strength and blessing stem directly from him. There is also a clear element of Emphasis on both the quantity and quality of these men ("threescore and two," "able men for strength"), highlighting the magnitude of God's blessing and the readiness of the Levites for their duties. The phrase "able men for strength" functions as a powerful Descriptive Epithet, succinctly characterizing the ideal qualities—physical, moral, and spiritual—required of those serving in God's house. Finally, the sheer number itself can be seen as Symbolism of divine favor and fruitfulness, demonstrating how God abundantly rewards faithfulness and provides the necessary resources for His work.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

1 Chronicles 26:8 powerfully illustrates the timeless theological principle that faithfulness to God leads to profound divine blessing, often manifested in tangible ways that equip individuals and families for greater service. Obed-Edom's story, culminating in this verse, serves as a compelling testament to God's covenant loyalty and His unwavering commitment to those who honor His presence and steward His sacred things with reverence. The extensive lineage of strong, capable men dedicated to the Lord's service underscores the enduring importance of generational faithfulness and the intentional passing down of spiritual legacy. It also highlights the divine provision for the needs of His house, demonstrating that God Himself raises up, equips, and multiplies the necessary personnel for His work, ensuring that His worship can be carried out with order, strength, and integrity. This verse reinforces the Chronicler's broader message that a well-ordered and dedicated community, rooted in faithfulness to God and His commands, is absolutely essential for the flourishing of God's people and the proper administration of His worship.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

1 Chronicles 26:8 offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers, serving as a powerful reminder that God not only remembers but also richly rewards faithfulness. Obed-Edom's narrative is a compelling story of how a seemingly simple act of obedience and reverence—housing the Ark of the Covenant—resulted in a multi-generational blessing of strength, purpose, and prominence in God's service. This encourages us to deeply consider how our own acts of faithfulness, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant in the moment, can have far-reaching and lasting impacts, not just on our individual lives but also on our families, communities, and future generations. It calls us to recognize that every gift, talent, and strength we possess is ultimately a divine endowment from God, intended to be consecrated and employed for His service and glory. Whether our roles within the body of Christ are prominent or behind-the-scenes, whether we are "gatekeepers" managing resources or "treasurers" stewarding spiritual truths, our dedication, competence, and integrity in serving the Lord are profoundly valued and have eternal significance. Furthermore, the emphasis on "they and their sons and their brethren" challenges us to intentionally cultivate a legacy of faith within our own families and spiritual spheres of influence, actively discipling and raising up future generations to know, love, and serve God with their whole being, ensuring that the work of the Lord continues and flourishes through successive generations.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what specific areas of your life have you experienced God's blessing as a direct result of your faithfulness and obedience?
  • How can you intentionally cultivate and pass on a legacy of faith and dedicated service within your own family or spiritual community?
  • What unique "strength" or "abilities" has God sovereignly entrusted to you, and how are you currently employing them for His "service" and the building of His kingdom?
  • Do you view all roles within the church or God's kingdom as equally vital and honorable, even those that may seem less glamorous or visible, such as "gatekeeping" or administrative tasks? Why or why not?

FAQ

What was Obed-Edom's significance before this verse?

Answer: Obed-Edom gained significant prominence earlier in Israel's history when he faithfully housed the Ark of the Covenant for three months after Uzzah's death (see 2 Samuel 6:10-11 and 1 Chronicles 13:13-14). During this period, the Lord "blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that he had," a blessing so profound and evident that it encouraged King David to finally bring the Ark to Jerusalem. This divine blessing is explicitly understood by the Chronicler as the foundational reason for the large number of capable descendants mentioned in 1 Chronicles 26:8, highlighting God's immediate and tangible reward for reverence and faithfulness.

Why is the number "sixty-two" significant?

Answer: The number sixty-two ("threescore and two") is significant primarily because it represents an exceptionally large and capable contingent of men from a single family line dedicated to temple service. In ancient Israelite society, a large family, especially one with many strong and able-bodied men, was considered a profound and tangible blessing from God (e.g., Psalm 127:3-5). For the Chronicler, this precise number serves as compelling evidence of God's abundant favor upon Obed-Edom for his faithfulness, demonstrating how God honors those who honor Him by providing ample resources—in this case, human resources—for His sacred work. It also underscores the meticulous organization of the Levites under King David's direction, ensuring that every crucial role in the tabernacle and future temple was adequately staffed with qualified personnel.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While 1 Chronicles 26:8 speaks of the Old Testament blessing on Obed-Edom's household and their dedication to the physical temple, its deeper and ultimate fulfillment is found in the New Covenant and the person of Jesus Christ. Just as Obed-Edom's family was divinely equipped with strength and numbers for service in God's earthly house, so too are all believers in Christ, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, empowered for service in the spiritual temple—the Church. Jesus, as the ultimate "able man for strength," perfectly fulfilled all service, not merely as a gatekeeper guarding access, but as the very gate itself through whom all must enter (see John 10:9) and the living cornerstone upon whom God's new dwelling place is built (see Ephesians 2:20-22). The "service" (עֲבֹדָה) of the Old Covenant, with its emphasis on physical duties and a specific lineage, foreshadows the spiritual service of all believers in Christ, who are called a "royal priesthood" and a "holy nation" (see 1 Peter 2:9). The generational faithfulness seen in Obed-Edom's line points to the enduring spiritual lineage of faith established through Christ, where all who believe become "sons of God" by faith (see John 1:12) and are equipped by the Spirit with diverse gifts to build up the body of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 12:4-11). Thus, the strength, dedication, and abundant provision of Obed-Edom's descendants find their ultimate and glorious expression in the Church, empowered by Christ to serve as His body in the world, faithfully guarding the truth, ministering God's presence, and extending His kingdom until His return.

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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 26 verses 1–19

Observe, I. There were porters appointed to attend the temple, who guarded all the avenues that let to it, opened and shut all the outer gates and attended at them, not only for the state, but for service, to direct and instruct those who were going to worship in the courts of the sanctuary in the decorum they were to observe, to encourage those that were timorous, to send back the strangers and unclean, and to guard against thieves and others that were enemies to the house of God. In allusion to this office, ministers are said to have the keys to the kingdom of heaven committed to them (Mat 16:19), that they may admit, and exclude, according to the law of Christ.

II. Of several of those that were called to this service, it is taken notice of that they were mighty men of valour (Ch1 26:6), strong men (Ch1 26:7), able men (Ch1 26:8), and one of them that he was a wise counsellor (Ch1 26:14), who probably, when he had used this office of a deacon well and given proofs of more than ordinary wisdom, purchased to himself a good degree, and was preferred from the gate to the council-board, Ti1 3:13. As for those that excelled in strength of body, and courage and resolution of mind, they were thereby qualified for the post assigned them; for whatever service God calls men to he either finds them fit or makes them so.

III. The sons of Obed-edom were employed in this office, sixty-two of that family. This was he that entertained the ark with reverence and cheerfulness; and see how he was rewarded for it. 1. He had eight sons (Ch1 26:5), for God blessed him. The increase and building up of families are owing to the divine blessing; and a great blessing it is to a family to have many children, when like these they are able for, and eminent in, the service of God. 2. His sons were preferred to places of trust in the sanctuary. They had faithfully attended the ark in their own house, and now were called to attend it in God's house. He that is trusty in little shall be trusted with more. He that keeps God's ordinances in his own tent is fit to have the custody of them in God's tabernacle, Ti1 3:4, Ti1 3:5. I have kept thy law, says David, and this I had because I kept thy precepts, Psa 119:55, Psa 119:56.

IV. It is said of one here that though he was not the first-born his father made him the chief (Ch1 26:10), either because he was very excellent, or because the elder son was very weak. He was made chief, perhaps not in inheriting the estate (for that was forbidden by the law, Deu 21:16, Deu 21:17), but in this service, which required personal qualifications.

V. The porters, as the singers, had their post assigned them by lot, so many at such a gate, and so many at such a one, that every one might know his post and make it good, Ch1 26:13. It is not said that they were cast into twenty-four courses, as before; but here are the names of about twenty-four (Ch1 26:1-11), and the posts assigned are twenty-four, Ch1 26:17, Ch1 26:18. We have therefore reason to think they were distributed into as many companies. Happy are those who dwell in God's house: for, as they are well fed, well taught, and well employed, so they are well guarded. Men attended at the gates of the temple, but angels attend at the gates of the New Jerusalem, Rev 21:12.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–19. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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