from the active participle of עָבַד and אֱדֹם; worker of Edom; Obed-Edom, the name of five Israelites; Obed-edom.
Transliteration:ʻÔbêd ʼĔdôwm
Pronunciation:o-bade' ed-ome'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The name עֹבֵד אֱדוֹם (ʻÔbêd ʼĔdôwm, `{{H5654}}`) is a compound proper noun derived from two Hebrew elements: the active participle עֹבֵד (ʻōbēd) and the noun אֱדוֹם (ʼĔdôm). The first element, עֹבֵד, comes from the root עָבַד (ʻābad, `{{H5647}}`), which carries a broad semantic range including "to work," "to serve," "to labor," and "to worship." As an active participle, עֹבֵד signifies "one who works," "one who serves," or "a servant." The second element, אֱדוֹם (ʼĔdôm, `{{H123}}`), refers to the nation of Edom, descended from Esau, or potentially a place associated with that name.
Thus, the name עֹבֵד אֱדוֹם is typically rendered "Worker of Edom" or "Servant of Edom." While the Strong's definition emphasizes "worker of Edom," the nuance of "servant" is highly significant, especially given the prominent individual bearing this name. The presence of "Edom" in the name of an Israelite, particularly a Levite, is intriguing. It is generally understood to denote a geographical origin or association (e.g., from a place named Edom or near Edomite territory, or a family name passed down) rather than an ethnic Edomite identity. The name, therefore, points to an individual dedicated to service, perhaps with a historical or geographical connection.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Obed-Edom appears in the Old Testament primarily in connection with the Ark of the Covenant and the temple service. There are at least two distinct individuals named Obed-Edom mentioned, indicating it was a recognized name within Israel:
1. **Obed-Edom the Gittite, the Ark's Host:** The most prominent Obed-Edom is a Levite, specifically identified as a "Gittite" (likely from Gath-Rimmon, a Levitical city, not the Philistine Gath). After Uzzah's death for touching the Ark, David became afraid and decided not to bring the Ark further into Jerusalem. Instead, he diverted it to the house of Obed-Edom, where it remained for three months:
* [[2 Samuel 6:10-12]]: "So David would not take the ark of the LORD with him into the city of David; but David took it aside into the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. The ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months, and the LORD blessed Obed-Edom and all his household."
* [[1 Chronicles 13:13-14]]: This parallel account confirms the narrative, emphasizing the blessing: "And the ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that he had."
This period of blessing highlights divine favor upon Obed-Edom due to the Ark's presence, contrasting sharply with Uzzah's fate and underscoring the sacredness of God's dwelling.
2. **Obed-Edom and his Descendants as Temple Officials:** Following the successful transfer of the Ark to Jerusalem, Obed-Edom and his numerous descendants are listed among the Levitical gatekeepers and treasurers in the temple service under King David:
* [[1 Chronicles 15:18]], [[1 Chronicles 15:21]], [[1 Chronicles 15:24]]: He is listed among the gatekeepers and musicians who ministered before the Ark.
* [[1 Chronicles 16:5]]: Obed-Edom is mentioned among those appointed to minister before the Ark continually.
* [[1 Chronicles 26:4-8]]: This passage provides a detailed genealogy, listing Obed-Edom's eight sons (Shemaiah, Jehozabad, Joah, Sacar, Nethanel, Ammiel, Issachar, Peullethai) and their descendants, noting that they were "mighty men of valor for service." This large, capable family was a direct result of God's blessing.
* [[1 Chronicles 26:15]]: Obed-Edom's family was assigned the important gate of the "storehouse."
3. **Obed-Edom as a Temple Treasurer in Amaziah's Reign:** A later Obed-Edom is mentioned during the reign of King Amaziah of Judah:
* [[2 Chronicles 25:24]]: "And he took all the gold and silver, and all the articles that were found in the house of God with Obed-Edom, and the treasures of the king's house, and hostages, and returned to Samaria." This individual was likely a descendant of the original Obed-Edom, serving as a temple treasurer, indicating a continuing legacy of service within the family.
### Related Words & Concepts
* עָבַד (ʻābad, `{{H5647}}`): The verbal root meaning "to serve," "to work," "to worship." This root forms the first part of Obed-Edom's name and aptly describes his role as a faithful servant of God and the Ark.
* אֱדוֹם (ʼĔdôm, `{{H123}}`): The nation of Edom. While part of the name, the individual Obed-Edom is clearly an Israelite Levite, highlighting that proper names can carry historical or geographical associations without implying ethnic identity.
* **Ark of the Covenant:** The central object in Obed-Edom's story. His respectful hosting of the Ark led to divine blessing, contrasting with the judgment on Uzzah.
* **Levites/Gatekeepers/Treasurers:** These roles define the professional and spiritual service of Obed-Edom and his descendants within the Israelite cultic system.
* **Blessing (בָּרַךְ, bārach, `{{H1288}}`):** A key theme associated with Obed-Edom, as God's tangible favor rested upon his household due to the Ark's presence. This blessing was not merely material but also manifested in a large, capable family dedicated to God's service.
* **Holiness/Reverence:** The narrative involving Obed-Edom underscores the importance of proper reverence and handling of sacred objects and God's presence, as opposed to casual or presumptuous interaction.
### Theological Significance
The figure of Obed-Edom carries profound theological significance, primarily centered on the nature of divine blessing and the proper posture toward God's presence.
1. **Blessing through Proximity to God's Presence:** Obed-Edom's story vividly illustrates that God's presence, though holy and demanding reverence, is also the source of immense blessing. After Uzzah's death demonstrated God's holiness and the danger of irreverence, the three months the Ark spent in Obed-Edom's house demonstrated God's graciousness and favor upon those who host His presence with proper respect and humble service. The blessing extended to "all his household," indicating comprehensive divine favor.
2. **The Fruit of Faithful Service:** The name "Servant of Edom" paradoxically becomes a testament to "Servant of Yahweh." Obed-Edom's willingness to host the Ark, which was deemed dangerous by others, showcases a spirit of trust and obedience. His subsequent appointment, along with his numerous sons, to significant roles as gatekeepers and treasurers in the temple signifies that faithful service to God often leads to expanded opportunities for service and generational blessing. His large, strong family, all dedicated to temple duties, is presented as a direct result of God's favor.
3. **Contrast with Irreverence:** Obed-Edom's blessed experience stands in stark contrast to Uzzah's judgment. This juxtaposition serves as a powerful theological lesson: God's holiness demands respect, but when approached with humility and according to His prescribed ways (as Obed-Edom, a Levite, would have understood), His presence brings life and prosperity, not death.
4. **God's Sovereignty and Grace:** The narrative demonstrates God's sovereign choice to bless an individual and his family. The blessing was not earned through extraordinary deeds but flowed from the pure presence of the Ark, highlighting God's grace. The fact that the blessing was so evident prompted David to finally bring the Ark into Jerusalem.
### Summary
עֹבֵד אֱדוֹם (ʻÔbêd ʼĔdôwm, `{{H5654}}`), meaning "Worker/Servant of Edom," identifies at least two individuals in the Hebrew Bible, most notably the Gittite Levite in whose house the Ark of the Covenant resided for three months. This period was marked by extraordinary divine blessing upon Obed-Edom and his entire household, a stark contrast to the judgment that befell Uzzah. This narrative underscores the dual nature of God's holiness: demanding reverence yet bestowing abundant blessing upon those who honor His presence.
Obed-Edom's story is a profound testament to the principle that faithful and reverent service to God leads to tangible and often generational favor. His subsequent appointment, along with his numerous and capable sons, to significant roles as gatekeepers and treasurers in the temple service under King David further solidifies his legacy as a recipient of divine blessing and a model of dedicated service. The name Obed-Edom, therefore, stands as a biblical emblem of divine favor bestowed through proximity to God's presence and humble, obedient service.
TRV