Question 1

What does 1 Chronicles 26:5 mean?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 26:5

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Why 1 Chronicles 26:5 matters

Accepted Answer

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.

1 Chronicles 26:5 (KJV)