2 Samuel 6:11

And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obededom, and all his household.

And the ark {H727} of the LORD {H3068} continued {H3427} in the house {H1004} of Obededom {H5654} the Gittite {H1663} three {H7969} months {H2320}: and the LORD {H3068} blessed {H1288} Obededom {H5654}, and all his household {H1004}.

The ark of ADONAI stayed in the house of 'Oved-Edom the Gitti for three months; and ADONAI blessed 'Oved-Edom and all his household.

Thus the ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite for three months, and the LORD blessed him and all his household.

And the ark of Jehovah remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months: and Jehovah blessed Obed-edom, and all his house.

Commentary

Context of 2 Samuel 6:11

This verse occurs during a pivotal moment in King David's reign, specifically relating to his attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Earlier in the chapter, David had initiated the transport of the Ark, but the journey was tragically interrupted when Uzzah, one of the men guiding the cart, touched the Ark to steady it and was struck dead by the Lord (2 Samuel 6:7). This sudden divine judgment instilled great fear in David, causing him to abandon the Ark's journey to Jerusalem for a time (David's fear of the Lord). Instead of continuing the perilous transport, the Ark was diverted to the nearby house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. What was intended as a temporary refuge became a three-month stay, during which a remarkable demonstration of God's favor unfolded.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Power of God's Presence: The Ark of the Covenant symbolized the very presence of God among His people, serving as the throne of His invisible presence (where God would meet with Moses). This verse powerfully illustrates that dwelling in God's presence brings tangible and comprehensive blessing, even when that presence is initially feared.
  • Divine Blessing: The explicit statement that "the LORD blessed Obededom, and all his household" highlights God's comprehensive favor. This blessing likely extended to all aspects of his life—his family, health, livelihood, and general prosperity—demonstrating God's generosity to those who reverence His presence.
  • Reverence and Obedience: While not explicitly detailed, Obed-Edom's household must have harbored the Ark with a profound sense of reverence and perhaps a better understanding of the proper handling of sacred things than Uzzah's ill-fated attempt. This contrasts sharply with the preceding events, showing that proper respect for God's holiness leads to blessing, not judgment.
  • God's Blessing Beyond Israel: Obed-Edom is identified as a "Gittite," implying he was from Gath, a Philistine city, or perhaps a Levite living in Gath-Rimmon (a Levite city near Gath). Regardless, his non-Israelite (or at least, not fully Israelite) designation underscores that God's favor is not limited by nationality but extends to any who honor His presence and receive Him.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Obed-Edom the Gittite": The name Obed-Edom (עֹבֵד אֱדֹם) means "servant of Edom" or "worshiper of Edom," which is ironic given his prominent role as a recipient of the Lord's blessing. The designation "the Gittite" (הַגִּתִּי) indicates his origin from Gath, a Philistine city, making him a remarkable example of God's blessing extended to those outside the direct covenant line of Israel. It serves as a precursor to the universal scope of God's grace.
  • "Blessed": The Hebrew word used here is barak (בָּרַךְ), which signifies divine favor, prosperity, fruitfulness, and well-being. It is a comprehensive term for God's benevolence, implying an abundance of good things poured out upon Obed-Edom and his entire family due to the Ark's presence.

Practical Application

The story of Obed-Edom offers enduring principles for believers today:

  • Embrace God's Presence: Just as the Ark brought blessing to Obed-Edom's house, the indwelling presence of God's Holy Spirit in believers and the centrality of Christ in our homes bring true and lasting blessing. Cultivating a life of worship, prayer, and obedience invites divine favor and peace.
  • Hospitality to God: Obed-Edom literally hosted God's presence. Spiritually, we are called to make God central in our lives, our families, and our communities, giving Him the preeminence He deserves. When we honor Him, He honors us.
  • Reverence and Respect: While we do not have a physical Ark, the principle of reverencing God's holiness remains vital. Approaching God's Word, prayer, and worship with a humble and respectful heart leads to a deeper experience of His blessings.
  • God's Blessing is Comprehensive: The blessing on Obed-Edom extended to "all his household," reminding us that God's favor can impact every area of our lives and those connected to us. This encourages us to seek God's blessing not just for ourselves but for our entire family and sphere of influence (Proverbs 10:22). It serves as a powerful encouragement for King David to finally bring the Ark to Jerusalem.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 39:5 (9 votes)

    And it came to pass from the time [that] he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.

  • Genesis 30:27 (8 votes)

    And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, [tarry: for] I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.

  • Proverbs 3:9 (6 votes)

    Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

  • Proverbs 3:10 (6 votes)

    So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

  • Malachi 3:10 (5 votes)

    Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it].

  • Genesis 39:23 (4 votes)

    The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing [that was] under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and [that] which he did, the LORD made [it] to prosper.