1 Chronicles 26:8

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

1 Chronicles 26:8 KJV describes the remarkable strength and dedication of Obed-Edom's descendants, highlighting their significant role in the service of God's house during King David's reign. This verse concludes a list of his sons and their families, emphasizing their collective capability and numbering them for their specific duties.

Context

Chapter 26 of 1 Chronicles details the intricate organization of the Levites into divisions for various duties related to the tabernacle, specifically focusing on the gatekeepers and treasurers. Obed-Edom, a Levite, gained prominence earlier in Israel's history when he faithfully housed the Ark of the Covenant after Uzzah's death (2 Samuel 6:11, 1 Chronicles 13:14). For this faithfulness, God abundantly blessed him and his household, as evidenced by the large number of capable men in his lineage dedicated to temple service. This verse tallies the total number of these "able men" (sixty-two) from Obed-Edom's extensive family, underscoring the divine blessing upon his faithfulness and their readiness for service.

Key Themes

  • Divine Blessing and Fruitfulness: The large number of strong, capable men in Obed-Edom's family is presented as a direct result of God's blessing upon him for his faithfulness in caring for the Ark. This illustrates how God honors those who honor Him.
  • Service and Dedication: The phrase "able men for strength for the service" underscores the physical and moral qualifications required for those serving in the tabernacle. Their role as gatekeepers was vital for maintaining order and security in God's holy dwelling place.
  • Generational Faithfulness: The commentary notes that "they and their sons and their brethren" were all involved, highlighting a multi-generational commitment to serving the Lord, a testament to the spiritual legacy passed down through Obed-Edom's family.
  • Order and Organization: This verse, part of a larger section on the divisions of Levites, reflects King David's meticulous efforts to establish a well-ordered system for worship and administration in the temple, ensuring that all duties were covered by qualified personnel.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "able men for strength" (אַנְשֵׁי חַיִל לְכֹחַ - anshei chayil lekoach) suggests not only physical prowess but also moral strength, valor, and capability. The word chayil (חַיִל) can denote wealth, army, or virtue, implying that these men were not just physically strong but also reputable, effective, and reliable in their duties, essential qualities for those entrusted with the sacred "service" (עֲבֹדָה - avodah) of God's house.

Practical Application

1 Chronicles 26:8 serves as a powerful reminder that:

  • God remembers and blesses faithfulness, often extending His favor to future generations. The blessings on Obed-Edom's household demonstrate God's enduring covenant faithfulness.
  • Every role in God's kingdom, no matter how seemingly mundane (like gatekeeping), is vital and requires dedication and strength. All service offered to God is significant in His eyes.
  • We are called to use our unique strengths and abilities—whether physical, intellectual, or spiritual—for the glory of God and the advancement of His purposes. This echoes the New Testament principle of using spiritual gifts for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7).
  • Investing in the spiritual upbringing of our families can result in a lasting legacy of service to God across generations, demonstrating the power of a faithful household.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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