God Blesses the Life and House of Obed-Edom/Rashea@LLO2 Academy
Who was Obed-Edom in Jewish history? Moreover, why did God choose to bless him? I did some research and discovered that Obed-Edom was a Jewish Levite from the tribe of Levi. Levi was Jacob and Leah's son. From Levi would come the priesthood who would daily serve before the presence of God.
In exchange for constant service in the presence of God... God vowed to personally provide for and watch over the Levitical priesthood and tribe. God was adamant about keeping His vow and word. We see this in the life and events of Obed-Edom's life.
Obed in Hebrew means servant of God or worshipper. So I concluded that Obed-Edom (servant of God; worshipper of God) was a Levite who dwelt in the land of Edom.
Edom, ancient land bordering ancient Israel, in what is now southwestern Jordan between the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba.
The Edomites probably occupied the area about the 13th century BC. Descendants of Esau, they were closely related to the Israelites.
Edom prospered because of its strategic location on the trade route between Arabia and the Mediterranean and its copper industry at Ezion-geber.
Edom and Moab were later conquered by the Nabataeans, and the Edomites migrated to southern Judaea, where they were known in New Testament times as Idumaeans. (Reference: Encyclopedia Britannica)
The new established King David was venturing to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to the land of Israel from Baalah (Kiriath-jearim) which belonged Judah. For the Ark of the Covenant rested their since the days of King Saul. King David, the Levites and the children of Israel retrieved the Ark of the Covenant.
Heading back to the City of David in Israel... the children of Israel were in celebration when the oxen who were carrying the Ark of the Covenant stumbled on the path at Chidon. Uzza, who was in charge of helping to carry the Ark of the Covenant back to the City of David in Israel, stretched out his hand to steady the Ark and God judged his efforts with disapproval. The Bible doesn't say in detail why God showed disapproval with Uzza's actions, but it does tell us the consequences (1Chronicles 13).👀
I like David was a bit perplexed with God's judgments toward Uzza. I can only conclude that there were deeper issues going on in Uzza's life that kindled God's anger. David was upset with God and his reactions to the severity of God's judgment caused him to leave the Ark of the Covenant with Obed-Edom for 3 months.
God wasn't moved by David's indifference with Him. David's indifference just led to God blessing Obed-Edom and his entire household for the duration God's presence resided there which totaled 3 months. God looked at David's indifference as a divine opportunity to bless someone else who was not indifferent toward God.
Our attitude's really does determine our altitude. Our attitude's determine God's response. God blesses those who warmly invite Him into their lives and homes.
Obed-Edom had the right attitude which unlocked his altitude to be blessed by God. God wants to be celebrated not tolerated. When we like Obed-Edom respond well to the presence of God... God will favor us as He resides with us.
Rashea@LLO2
