Lives of Scripture

Obed-edom the Gittite unexpectedly became the ark of the covenant's temporary home during one of the most dramatic episodes of David's early reign. David had organized a grand procession to bring the ark from Kiriath-jearim to Jerusalem, but when the cart carrying it stumbled and Uzzah reached out to steady it, God struck him dead for touching the sacred object in violation of the law (2 Samuel 6:1-7). Afraid, David abandoned the plan and diverted the ark into the house of Obed-edom rather than bringing it into the City of David (6:9-10). For three months, rather than danger following the ark as David feared, blessing did: "the LORD blessed Obed-edom and all his household" (6:11). Word of this reached David and dispelled his fear; he resumed the procession with proper care this time, sacrificing oxen and fatlings every six steps and dancing before the ark with all his strength as it finally entered Jerusalem (6:12-15). Obed-edom's brief role bridges the story's fear and its joy -- the same ark that brought death to a man who handled it wrongly brought sustained blessing to a household that simply, faithfully, hosted it.