1 Chronicles 26 4

1 Chronicles 26:4 kjv

Moreover the sons of Obededom were, Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, and Sacar the fourth, and Nethaneel the fifth.

1 Chronicles 26:4 nkjv

Moreover the sons of Obed-Edom were Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sacar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth,

1 Chronicles 26:4 niv

Obed-Edom also had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sakar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth,

1 Chronicles 26:4 esv

And Obed-edom had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sachar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth,

1 Chronicles 26:4 nlt

The sons of Obed-edom, also gatekeepers, were Shemaiah (the oldest), Jehozabad (the second), Joah (the third), Sacar (the fourth), Nethanel (the fifth),

1 Chronicles 26 verses

1 Chronicles 26 4 Meaning

1 Chronicles 26:4 provides a detailed listing of Obed-Edom’s sons: Shemaiah, Jehozabad, Joah, Sacar, and Nethanel, ordered by birth. This meticulous enumeration highlights God's profound blessing on Obed-Edom's household, which multiplied abundantly, underscoring the divine favor he received for his faithful care of the Ark of the Covenant. The passage details his large progeny as they were designated for significant service as temple gatekeepers in the newly organized Levitical divisions under David.

1 Chronicles 26 4 Context

1 Chronicles 26 focuses entirely on the gatekeepers, their divisions, and their respective duties around the House of the Lord. Following chapters detailing the Levites’ other responsibilities (such as musicians, officers, and judges), this chapter specifically identifies the families appointed to guard the temple entrances. The listing of Obed-Edom's numerous sons and relatives here and in the subsequent verses (1 Chr 26:8) directly correlates with the great blessing he received for faithfully housing the Ark of the Covenant (2 Sam 6:10-12, 1 Chr 13:13-14). The Chronicler emphasizes not only the meticulous organization of temple personnel initiated by King David but also God's continued faithfulness and multiplication of blessings upon those who honor Him and His sacred presence. This detailed account, compiled after the Babylonian exile, served to provide a historical blueprint and spiritual encouragement for the re-establishment of organized temple worship and the validation of specific priestly and Levitical lineages in the post-exilic community.

1 Chronicles 26 4 Word analysis

• Moreover (וְעֹוד, ve‘ōwḏ): A conjunction implying continuity and addition, connecting this verse to the preceding general statement about gatekeepers. It suggests a significant continuation, drawing attention to Obed-Edom's unique role.
• Obed-Edom (עֹבֵד אֱדֹום, ‘Ōbēḏ ’Ěḏōwm): Literally "Servant of Edom" or "Servant of the Lord," depending on the understanding of "Edom" as a reference to a personal deity (unlikely in Israelite context) or an alternative divine name, or "servant (from the land) of Edom." He was a Gittite (from Gath-Rimmon, a Levitical city), remembered as the man whose home the Ark of God blessed mightily (2 Sam 6:11, 1 Chr 13:14). His prominent inclusion here with a large, blessed family underscores God's tangible reward for his reverence and faithful service towards the Ark.
• had sons (בָנִים לְעֹבֵד־אֱדֹום, bānîm lə‘ōbēḏ-’ěḏōwm): "Sons to Obed-Edom." The presence of many sons was considered a great blessing and a sign of prosperity in ancient Israel (Psa 127:3-5). For the Levites, it meant more hands available for temple service, ensuring the continuity of their sacred duties.
• Shemaiah (שְׁמַעְיָהוּ, Shəm‘ayā́hû): "Heard by Yahweh." The firstborn son, signifying his primary status and leadership role within Obed-Edom's lineage for the temple duties.
• the firstborn (הַבְּכוֹר, hab’ḵôwr): Designates primogeniture, important for lineage and potentially for the distribution of inheritance and responsibilities. In Levitical families, this often translated into specific roles or authority within the priestly system.
• Jehozabad (יְהוֹזָבָד, Yəhôwzāvā́ḏ): "Yahweh has endowed/given."
• the second (הַשֵּׁנִי, haššênî): Clearly enumerating the order of birth, maintaining precise records of family hierarchy crucial for organizational purposes in the temple.
• Joah (יוֹאָח, Yôw’ā́ḥ): "Yahweh is brother" or "Yahweh is my brother."
• the third (הַשְּׁלִישִׁי, haššəlîšî):
• Sacar (שָׂכָר, Śāḵā́r): "Wages" or "Reward." Possibly symbolic of God's blessing on Obed-Edom.
• the fourth (הָרְבִיעִי, hārəḇî‘î):
• Nethanel (נְתַנְאֵל, Nəṯan’êl): "Given by God."
• the fifth (הַחֲמִישִׁי, haḥămišî):

Words-group analysis

• "Obed-Edom had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sacar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth,": This segment highlights the remarkable prosperity of Obed-Edom, particularly in terms of male offspring, which was understood as a direct blessing from God. The meticulous listing of names and birth order signifies the historical authenticity and the precise nature of the Levitical organizational system. The sheer number of sons and, by extension (as detailed in later verses of the chapter), descendants indicates God's superabundant grace upon Obed-Edom's faithfulness, making his lineage strong and able to serve in the Tabernacle's crucial gatekeeping roles for generations. This contrasts the narrative of divine judgment sometimes seen when holiness is treated carelessly (like Uzzah’s death near the Ark, prompting Obed-Edom to take it in). The narrative assures that God blesses those who reverence His presence.

1 Chronicles 26 4 Bonus section

The significant detail of Obed-Edom's many sons and their prowess, noted explicitly in 1 Chronicles 26:8 (mentioning 62 descendants of Obed-Edom described as "strong and able men for the service"), reinforces a central theme of the Chronicler: the blessings of God often manifest as fertility and strength for His purposes. This provides not only a historical record of temple personnel but also serves as theological encouragement for the returned exiles. It implicitly argues against any despair regarding their seemingly diminished state, reminding them that God’s blessing can rapidly restore and multiply His people, especially those devoted to His sanctuary. The mention of their precise birth order also highlights the meticulous record-keeping of the Levites, demonstrating a dedication to order and the importance of ancestral lines for continuity of religious practice.

1 Chronicles 26 4 Commentary

1 Chronicles 26:4 provides specific detail concerning the divinely favored household of Obed-Edom. After an incident where the Ark of the Covenant brought death to Uzzah, David left it at Obed-Edom's house. For three months, the Ark resided there, and the Lord abundantly blessed Obed-Edom and his entire household (2 Sam 6:11). This verse reveals the enduring nature of that blessing: not only did he prosper personally, but his family grew exceptionally large and strong. The Chronicler, writing in the post-exilic period, emphasizes this numerical strength and lineage detail because the rebuilding of the temple and the re-establishment of proper worship relied heavily on knowing legitimate priestly and Levitical lines and their assignments. Obed-Edom's descendants, now gatekeepers, exemplify God's long-term commitment to those who reverently engage with His holiness. Their abundant numbers underscore that faithfulness in serving God results in blessings that extend beyond the individual, into future generations, fulfilling divine promises and ensuring the continuity of sacred service.