1 Chronicles 26:8

KJV

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary

### 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 section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-26) that meticulously details King David's organization of the Levites and priests for service in the future temple. Chapter 26 specifically focuses on the divisions of the gatekeepers and treasurers. Verses 1-19 list the various families assigned to these roles, their numbers, and their specific gates or storehouses. Verse 8 acts as a concluding summary for the family of Obed-Edom, who are prominently featured due to their large number and the divine favor they enjoyed. The preceding verses (1 Chronicles 26:4-7) name Obed-Edom's sons and their own numerous offspring, setting the stage for this summation of their collective strength and dedication. This detailed accounting underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on order, lineage, and the proper administration of temple worship, a theme prevalent throughout his work, particularly in the post-exilic context of rebuilding and re-establishing Israel's spiritual identity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described is the latter part of King David's reign, a time of significant consolidation and organization for the nascent Israelite kingdom. David, having secured the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem and established a central sanctuary, turned his attention to preparing for the construction of the temple and organizing its future service. The Levites played a crucial role in this, serving as temple administrators, musicians, gatekeepers, and treasurers. The emphasis on "able men for strength" reflects the practical demands of these roles, which could involve physical security, handling valuable offerings, and maintaining order among large crowds of worshippers. The large family of Obed-Edom, numbering sixty-two "able men," would have been a significant asset in a society where large, strong families were a sign of divine blessing and a source of communal strength. The meticulous record-keeping of lineages and numbers was also a common practice in ancient Near Eastern societies, reflecting the importance of identity, inheritance, and civic/religious duty.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Blessing and Fruitfulness**, as the extraordinary number of capable men in Obed-Edom's lineage is presented as a direct result of God's favor upon him for his faithfulness in housing the Ark of the Covenant (see [2 Samuel 6:11](/2_samuel/6-11 "2 Samuel 6:11 - Obed-Edom and the Ark") and [1 Chronicles 13:14](/1_chronicles/13-14 "1 Chronicles 13:14 - God Blesses Obed-Edom")). This illustrates 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 and commitment to their sacred duties. Their role as gatekeepers was not merely physical but also involved 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](/1_chronicles/23 "1 Chronicles 23 - David Organizes the Levites")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Obededom (Hebrew, _‘Ōḇēḏ ’Ĕḏōm'_):** This name means "servant of Edom" or "worshipper of Edom," though in the biblical narrative, it becomes synonymous with faithfulness to Yahweh. Obed-Edom was a Levite from Gath-Rimmon who famously housed the Ark of the Covenant for three months after Uzzah's death. During this time, God "blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that he had" ([2 Samuel 6:11](/2_samuel/6-11 "2 Samuel 6:11 - God Blesses Obed-Edom's Household")). The Chronicler highlights this blessing as the foundational reason for the extraordinary number of his descendants dedicated to temple service, making his name a symbol of divine favor on faithful stewardship.
* **Able men for strength (Hebrew, _’anšê ḥayil ləḵōaḥ'_):** This compound phrase is highly significant. `’anšê ḥayil` (men of valor/strength/wealth/virtue) is a common biblical idiom often denoting capable, trustworthy, and effective individuals, suitable for leadership or important tasks (e.g., [Exodus 18:21](/exodus/18-21 "Exodus 18:21 - Men of Valor for Leadership")). The addition of `ləḵōaḥ` (for strength/power/ability) further emphasizes their physical vigor and inherent capacity. Together, it paints a picture of individuals who were not only physically robust but also morally upright, courageous, and competent—qualities essential for maintaining order, security, and integrity in the sacred precincts of the tabernacle/temple.
* **Service (Hebrew, _‘ăḇōḏâ'_):** This term broadly refers to work, labor, or ministry, but in the context of the tabernacle/temple, it specifically denotes sacred service or worship. 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 serves as a clear summation, drawing together the previously enumerated descendants of Obed-Edom (1 Chronicles 26:4-7). It emphasizes that the following count encompasses the entirety of his male lineage dedicated to this specific role, highlighting the collective strength derived from a single, blessed family line.
* **"they and their sons and their brethren,"** This clause further clarifies the 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, perhaps cousins or nephews, all united in their lineage and their dedication to service. This emphasizes the extensive nature of the divine blessing and the widespread participation of the family in sacred duties.
* **"able men for strength for the service,"** This descriptive phrase provides the qualification and purpose of these individuals. As explored in "Key Word Analysis," "able men for strength" signifies their physical prowess, moral integrity, and general competence. The 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 role in the organized 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 strong family contingent, but also for its precision, reflecting the meticulous record-keeping of the Chronicler. It serves as a tangible testament to the abundant blessing of God upon Obed-Edom's faithfulness, manifesting in a robust and dedicated workforce for His house.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in 1 Chronicles 26:8 to 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 and comprehensive organization. The repetition of "Obededom" at the beginning and end of the verse creates a sense of **Inclusio** or **Bookending**, drawing attention back to the patriarch and underscoring that the entire contingent's strength and blessing stem from him. There is also a strong element of **Emphasis** on 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 **Descriptive Epithet**, succinctly characterizing the ideal qualities 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.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 26:8 powerfully illustrates the principle that faithfulness to God leads to 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 testament to God's covenant loyalty and His commitment to those who honor His presence. The extensive lineage of strong, capable men dedicated to the Lord's service underscores the importance of generational faithfulness and the passing down of spiritual legacy. It also highlights the divine provision for the needs of His house, demonstrating that God Himself raises up and equips 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, is essential for the flourishing of God's people and the proper administration of His worship.

* [Psalm 127:3](/psalms/127-3 "Psalm 127:3 - Children are a heritage from the Lord")
* [Proverbs 10:22](/proverbs/10-22 "Proverbs 10:22 - The Blessing of the Lord Brings Wealth")
* [Nehemiah 7:2](/nehemiah/7-2 "Nehemiah 7:2 - Faithful and God-Fearing Men Appointed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 26:8 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that God not only remembers but also richly rewards faithfulness. Obed-Edom's story is a powerful narrative of how a simple act of obedience and reverence—housing the Ark—resulted in a multi-generational blessing of strength and purpose. This encourages us to consider how our own acts of faithfulness, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, can have far-reaching impacts, not just on our individual lives but also on our families and communities. It calls us to recognize that every gift, talent, and strength we possess is ultimately from God and is intended for His service. Whether our roles are prominent or behind-the-scenes, whether we are "gatekeepers" or "treasurers," our dedication and competence in serving the Lord are valued. Furthermore, the emphasis on "they and their sons and their brethren" challenges us to cultivate a legacy of faith within our families, intentionally discipling future generations to know and serve God with their whole being, ensuring that the work of the Lord continues through successive generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life have you experienced God's blessing as a direct result of your faithfulness?**
* **How can you intentionally cultivate a legacy of faith and service within your own family or spiritual community?**
* **What "strength" or "abilities" has God given you, and how are you currently employing them for His "service"?**
* **Do you view all roles within the church or God's kingdom as equally vital, even those that seem less glamorous, like "gatekeeping"? Why or why not?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: Obed-Edom gained 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](/2_samuel/6-10 "2 Samuel 6:10-11 - Obed-Edom Houses the Ark") and [1 Chronicles 13:13-14](/1_chronicles/13-13 "1 Chronicles 13:13-14 - The Ark at Obed-Edom's House")). During this time, the Lord "blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that he had." This blessing is understood as the foundation for the large number of capable descendants mentioned in [1 Chronicles 26:8](/1_chronicles/26-8 "1 Chronicles 26:8 - Obed-Edom's Descendants").

**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 from a single family line dedicated to temple service. In ancient Israelite society, a large family, especially one with many strong men, was considered a profound blessing from God (e.g., [Psalm 127:3-5](/psalms/127-3 "Psalm 127:3-5 - Children are a Heritage")). For the Chronicler, it serves as tangible evidence of God's abundant favor upon Obed-Edom for his faithfulness, demonstrating how God honors those who honor Him by providing resources—in this case, human resources—for His work. It also highlights the meticulous organization of the Levites under King David's direction, ensuring that every role in the tabernacle/temple was adequately staffed.

### 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 fulfillment is found in the New Covenant and the person of Jesus Christ. Just as Obed-Edom's family was divinely equipped for service in God's house, so too are believers in Christ, through the Holy Spirit, empowered for service in the spiritual temple—the Church. Jesus, as the ultimate "able man for strength," perfectly fulfilled all service, not just as a gatekeeper, but as the very gate itself (see [John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Gate")) and the cornerstone of God's new dwelling place (see [Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ the Cornerstone of God's Dwelling")). 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](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). 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" (see [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Children of God")) and are equipped by the Spirit with diverse gifts to build up the body of Christ (see [1 Corinthians 12:4-11](/1_corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - Gifts of the Spirit")). Thus, the strength and dedication of Obed-Edom's descendants find their ultimate expression in the Church, empowered by Christ to serve as His body in the world, faithfully guarding the truth and ministering God's presence.

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

1 Corinthians 12:4

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:11

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

2 Corinthians 3:6

¶ Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

1 Peter 4:11

If any man speak, [let him speak] as the oracles of God; if any man minister, [let him do it] as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Matthew 25:15

And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.