1 Chronicles 26:5 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 26:5 mean?

1 Chronicles 26:5 lists the names and birth order of Obed-edom’s sons, ending with the statement that God blessed him. The verse highlights that Obed-edom had eight sons, which was seen as a sign of God’s special favor.

This verse is part of a record showing the families assigned to serve as gatekeepers in the temple. The chronicler is describing Obed-edom’s descendants, emphasizing that his large family was a result of God’s blessing. In the context of ancient Israel, having many sons was considered a mark of divine approval and prosperity.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 26:5

• אֱלֹהִים (Elohim): This is the Hebrew word for “God.” Its use here underlines that the blessing on Obed-edom’s family is attributed directly to God, not just good fortune.
• בָּרַךְ (barakh): This Hebrew verb means “blessed.” In this context, it points to God’s active role in giving Obed-edom a large family, which was highly valued in that culture.

Why 1 Chronicles 26:5 matters

• The verse clarifies that Obed-edom’s many sons were not just a matter of chance but were seen as a direct result of God’s blessing, which would have been meaningful to the original audience.
• It connects to the larger passage by showing why Obed-edom’s family was prominent among the temple gatekeepers—his blessing was both spiritual and practical, providing the manpower needed for temple service.
• The detail about God’s blessing helps readers understand the chronicler’s theme that faithfulness to God can lead to tangible blessings, especially in the context of serving in the temple.