### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʻÔbêd ʼĔdôwm**, represented by `{{H5654}}`, means **worker of Edom**. It appears **20 times** across **15 unique verses** in the Bible and is the name given to five different Israelites. The name is most prominently associated with an individual who played a pivotal role in the journey of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The primary narrative concerning `{{H5654}}` centers on **Obed-edom** the **Gittite** `{{H1663}}`. When **David** `{{H1732}}` was afraid to bring the **ark** `{{H727}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` into the **city** `{{H5892}}` of **David** `{{H1732}}`, he **carried it aside** `{{H5186}}` into the **house** `{{H1004}}` of **Obed-edom** ([[2 Samuel 6:10]]; [[1 Chronicles 13:13]]). The **ark** `{{H727}}` remained there for three **months** `{{H2320}}`, and the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` **blessed** `{{H1288}}` **Obed-edom** `{{H5654}}` and his entire **household** `{{H1004}}` ([[2 Samuel 6:11]]; [[1 Chronicles 13:14]]). Upon hearing this, **David** `{{H1732}}` **brought up** `{{H5927}}` the **ark** `{{H727}}` with **joy** `{{H8057}}` [[1 Chronicles 15:25]]. Men named **Obed-edom** are also listed in Levitical roles, serving as **porters** `{{H7778}}`, **doorkeepers** `{{H7778}}` for the **ark** `{{H727}}`, and musicians playing **harps** `{{H3658}}` ([[1 Chronicles 15:18]]; [[1 Chronicles 15:21]]; [[1 Chronicles 15:24]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the story of **Obed-edom**:
* `{{H727}}` **ʼârôwn** (ark): This **box** or chest is central to the narrative, as its presence in his **house** `{{H1004}}` was the source of God's blessing. The **ark** `{{H727}}` of **God** `{{H430}}` remained with his family for three months [[1 Chronicles 13:14]].
* `{{H1288}}` **bârak** (to bless): This word describes the divine favor bestowed upon **Obed-edom** and his household. The narrative emphasizes that the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` **blessed** `{{H1288}}` him because of the **ark** `{{H727}}` of **God** `{{H430}}` [[2 Samuel 6:12]].
* `{{H7778}}` **shôwʻêr** (doorkeeper, porter): This term defines a key service role held by **Obed-edom**. He and his sons were appointed as **porters** `{{H7778}}`, highlighting their family's ongoing dedication to serving in the presence of the **ark** `{{H727}}` ([[1 Chronicles 16:38]]; [[1 Chronicles 26:8]]).
* `{{H1663}}` **Gittîy** (Gittite): This term identifies **Obed-edom** as an inhabitant of Gath. His story shows that blessing and the privilege of service were extended to him when David would not **remove** `{{H5493}}` the **ark** `{{H727}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` to his own city [[2 Samuel 6:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5654}}` is demonstrated in several ways:
* **Stewardship of God's Presence:** When **David** `{{H1732}}` was fearful, **Obed-edom** housed the **ark** `{{H727}}`, a symbol of God's holy presence. His willingness to receive it resulted in great blessing for his entire **family** `{{H1004}}`, demonstrating that proximity to God brings divine favor [[1 Chronicles 13:14]].
* **A Legacy of Faithful Service:** The blessing was not a temporary event. The family of **Obed-edom** became deeply involved in sanctuary service. His descendants are described as **able** `{{H2428}}` **men** `{{H376}}` with **strength** `{{H3581}}` for the **service** `{{H5656}}`, serving as **porters** `{{H7778}}` [[1 Chronicles 26:8]].
* **God's Blessing Beyond Boundaries:** The designation of **Obed-edom** as a **Gittite** `{{H1663}}` is notable. God's choice to **bless** `{{H1288}}` him so abundantly showed **king** `{{H4428}}` **David** `{{H1732}}` that the presence of the **ark** `{{H727}}` was a source of blessing, not peril, for those who respect it [[2 Samuel 6:12]].
### Summary
In summary, the name `{{H5654}}` represents more than just an individual; it signifies a story of profound blessing and dedicated service. **Obed-edom**'s account is a powerful illustration of how faithfully stewarding the presence of **God** `{{H430}}` invites divine favor. His story progresses from being a temporary guardian of the **ark** `{{H727}}` to establishing a family legacy of Levitical service, making him a key figure in the history of worship in **Israel** `{{H3478}}`.
TRV