1 Chronicles 26:8 kjv
All these of the sons of Obededom: they and their sons and their brethren, able men for strength for the service, were threescore and two of Obededom.
1 Chronicles 26:8 nkjv
All these were of the sons of Obed-Edom, they and their sons and their brethren, able men with strength for the work: sixty-two of Obed-Edom.
1 Chronicles 26:8 niv
All these were descendants of Obed-Edom; they and their sons and their relatives were capable men with the strength to do the work?descendants of Obed-Edom, 62 in all.
1 Chronicles 26:8 esv
All these were of the sons of Obed-edom with their sons and brothers, able men qualified for the service; sixty-two of Obed-edom.
1 Chronicles 26:8 nlt
All of these descendants of Obed-edom, including their sons and grandsons ? sixty-two of them in all ? were very capable men, well qualified for their work.
1 Chronicles 26 8 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Chr 13:13-14 | David did not take the ark into the city... and the LORD blessed the household of Obed-Edom. | God blessed Obed-Edom's house. |
| 2 Sam 6:10-12 | So David took not the ark... but carried it aside into the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. The Lord blessed Obed-Edom and all his household. | Obed-Edom hosted Ark, received blessing. |
| 1 Chr 15:18 | ...Obed-Edom... gatekeepers. | Obed-Edom himself a gatekeeper. |
| 1 Chr 15:24 | ...Shebaniah... Obed-Edom... porters. | Specific role of porters/gatekeepers. |
| 1 Chr 16:38 | ...Obed-Edom... also with Hosah to be gatekeepers. | Sons of Obed-Edom also appointed as porters. |
| Ps 112:1-2 | Blessed is the man who fears the LORD... his offspring will be mighty. | Righteous man's family blessed. |
| Prov 22:4 | The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life. | Rewards for reverent obedience. |
| Ex 20:6 | but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me... | God's lasting blessing through generations. |
| Deut 28:4 | Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb... | Blessing on fertility and descendants. |
| Gen 12:2-3 | ...I will bless you... and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. | Generational blessings from faithfulness. |
| 1 Cor 16:13 | Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. | Call for strength and resolve in service. |
| Eph 6:10 | Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. | Strength for spiritual battles. |
| Phil 4:13 | I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. | Christ provides strength for all tasks. |
| Zech 4:6 | Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. | Divine empowerment for spiritual tasks. |
| 1 Chr 23:3-5 | ...David numbered the Levites... for the service of the house of the LORD. | Organization of Levites for temple duties. |
| 1 Chr 25:1 | David and the chiefs of the service also set apart for the service the sons of Asaph... for the music. | Organization of musicians parallel. |
| Num 3:28-32 | Kohathite clans... responsible for the ark... to attend the sanctuary. | Specific duties assigned to Levitical families. |
| 1 Chr 23:28 | For their duty was to assist the sons of Aaron... | Levite duties were specific, "for the service." |
| 1 Cor 14:33 | For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. | God's desire for order. |
| 1 Cor 14:40 | But all things should be done decently and in order. | Emphasizes ordered conduct in God's work. |
| Rom 12:6 | Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them. | Using God-given abilities for service. |
| Col 3:23 | Whatever you do, do heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. | Attitude of service to the Lord. |
| 2 Tim 2:20-21 | ...a vessel for honorable use... useful to the master... prepared for every good work. | Readiness and purification for divine service. |
| Heb 11:6 | And without faith it is impossible to please him. | Obed-Edom's foundational faith. |
| Matt 25:21 | His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. | Reward for faithfulness and diligent service. |
1 Chronicles 26 verses
1 Chronicles 26 8 Meaning
This verse details the specific contributions of the descendants of Obed-Edom to the Levitical temple service. It highlights that his family was remarkably large, consisting of sixty-two capable men, including themselves, their sons, and their brethren, all appointed as strong and able individuals prepared for the dedicated work within God's house, particularly as gatekeepers. It signifies a significant generational blessing and divine favor bestowed upon Obed-Edom's lineage due to his prior faithfulness in hosting the Ark of the Covenant.
1 Chronicles 26 8 Context
1 Chronicles chapter 26 is part of David's meticulously organized plan for the structure and personnel of the future temple in Jerusalem. Chapters 23-27 systematically detail the divisions of the Levites, priests, singers, gatekeepers, treasurers, and various officers for both civil and sacred administration, ensuring proper worship and functioning of the Lord's house even before its construction. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 26 focuses on the gatekeepers, who were vital for maintaining order, security, and ritual purity at the temple entrances. Within this context, verse 8 highlights the lineage of Obed-Edom, presenting his descendants as a large and remarkably capable contingent of gatekeepers. Historically, this meticulous organization reflects David's devotion and foresight, setting a robust framework for Solomon and subsequent kings to follow, emphasizing that God desires ordered and faithful service in His dwelling.
1 Chronicles 26 8 Word analysis
- All these: (Hebrew: הָאֵלֶּה כָל־, hâ’êlleh ḵol-) This phrase connects back to the broader census and organization of the gatekeepers described in the preceding verses (1 Chr 26:4-7). It emphasizes that Obed-Edom's specific group is an integral and significant part of the overall Levitical structure being delineated by David. It underscores the comprehensiveness of the divine order.
- were of the sons of Obed-Edom: (Hebrew: בְּנֵי־ עֹבֵד אֱדֹם, bənê ‘ōḇêḏ ’ěḏōm) Identifies a distinct lineage, emphasizing a direct familial and spiritual heritage. Obed-Edom's name means "servant of Edom" or "serving Edom," which contrasts sharply with his divine blessing, showing God's capacity to choose and bless unlikely individuals. This lineage signifies continued divine blessing over generations as a result of Obed-Edom's faithfulness when he hosted the Ark (2 Sam 6:11, 1 Chr 13:14).
- they and their sons and their brethren: (Hebrew: הֵמָּה וּבְנֵיהֶם וַאֲחֵיהֶם, hēmmâ ûḇənêhem wa’aḥêhem) This comprehensive phrasing emphasizes the extensive nature of this family group. It indicates not just direct descendants, but also broader familial branches participating together in the sacred service. This highlights the intergenerational continuity of blessing and corporate responsibility within God's chosen people, ensuring the work continued through diverse members of the clan.
- able men: (Hebrew: גִּבֹּרֵי, gibborê) From the root גִּבּוֹר (gibbor), meaning "mighty," "strong," "valiant," or "heroic." This term is often used for warriors or men of valor (e.g., David's mighty men). Here, it signifies more than just physical strength; it implies competence, effectiveness, and moral fortitude essential for sacred service. They were men of capability and character.
- with strength: (Hebrew: חַיִל, chayil) This word denotes "power," "might," "valor," "wealth," "efficiency," or "excellence." It carries a broader connotation than gibborê, encompassing internal resources, integrity, and spiritual power alongside physical robustness. It implies a qualitative and effective might applied to their tasks.
- for service: (Hebrew: לַעֲבֹדָה, la‘ăḇōḏâ) From the root עֲבֹדָה (ʿăḇōḏâ), which means "work," "labor," "ministry," or "worship." This explicitly states the purpose and direction of their ability and strength—not for secular gain or personal ambition, but specifically for sacred duties within the house of the Lord. It signifies consecrated effort.
- sixty-two: (Hebrew: שִׁשִּׁים וּשְׁנַיִם, shishim u’shenayim) This specific and remarkably high number (especially for one family head in that era) points to God's abundant blessing upon Obed-Edom's lineage. It demonstrates divine favor in terms of fertility, longevity, and collective dedication, underscoring the extraordinary flourishing of this faithful family.
- of Obed-Edom: (Hebrew: עֹבֵד אֱדֹם, ʿōḇêḏ ’ěḏōm) This final phrase reiterates the connection, directly linking the impressive number and quality of these men back to the patriarch Obed-Edom. It serves as a clear testament to the enduring covenant blessings flowing from a foundational act of obedience and hospitality towards the Ark of the Covenant.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "able men with strength for service": This phrase beautifully defines the qualifications for those ministering in God's house. It highlights that individuals engaged in spiritual service are not just randomly chosen but are equipped with distinct qualities of valor, competence, internal fortitude, and physical capacity. These attributes are not for personal glory but are to be intentionally applied for the sacred work and worship of God. This echoes the concept that service to God requires the very best of one's abilities, energized by divine enabling.
1 Chronicles 26 8 Bonus section
- The terms "able men" (gibborê) and "strength" (chayil) typically describe formidable warriors or men of renown. Applying these to gatekeepers underscores that serving in God's house demands qualities of vigilance, courage, discipline, and commitment akin to those of a soldier. It highlights that spiritual duties are not merely passive but require active and strong participation.
- Obed-Edom's initial encounter with the Ark was one of perceived danger, as Uzzah had died after touching it. His willingness to host it, therefore, displayed remarkable faith and courage, contrasting with David's initial apprehension (1 Chr 13:11-13). This verse serves as the direct consequence of that initial act of brave obedience, showcasing God's generous and unexpected rewards.
- The large number, sixty-two, for a single family group in ancient times suggests not just fertility but divine preservation and a healthy lineage, demonstrating the tangible benefits of God's blessing in all aspects of life.
- David's detailed organization of the temple staff, down to individual families and specific numbers, demonstrates a deep commitment to divine order and reverence in worship, providing a template for how the community was to serve the Lord. This level of administrative detail also mirrors the detailed instructions God gave for the tabernacle, reinforcing His desire for precision and holiness in worship.
1 Chronicles 26 8 Commentary
1 Chronicles 26:8 powerfully illustrates the profound and lasting impact of faithfulness to God. Obed-Edom's initial act of faithfully housing the Ark of the Covenant, despite its previous disruptive effect on others, led to a manifest and multi-generational blessing upon his family. This verse shows his descendants forming an exceptionally large and capable contingent within the organized temple gatekeepers. The meticulous detailing of "sixty-two able men with strength for service" underscores that divine favor extends not just to quantitative growth (large family) but also to qualitative excellence (capable and strong individuals), all dedicated to God's specific purpose. It exemplifies how obedience leads to flourishing and how God equips those called to His work with the necessary attributes for diligent and effective ministry, from the seemingly humble role of a gatekeeper to the highest priestly office.