Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

1 Chronicles 26 Devotional

Blessing That Became Service

“Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, and Peullethai the eighth. For God had blessed Obed-edom.”1 Chronicles 26:5 (BSB)

The gatekeepers are listed by family, and one family stands out. Obed-edom had eight sons, and the text gives a simple reason: God had blessed Obed-edom (26:4-5). His descendants were capable men with strength for the work, sixty-two in all (26:8). The name recalls an earlier chapter, when the ark stayed three months with the family of Obed-edom and the LORD blessed his household (13:14). Here that name appears among those who guard the gates of the LORD's house, and the lot for the South Gate falls to Obed-edom (26:15).

The chapter also names Levites over the treasuries of dedicated things: plunder that commanders gave for the upkeep of the LORD's house, and gifts dedicated by Samuel, Saul, Abner and Joab (26:26-28). Blessing and gifts alike end up in God's service. What God gives is not only for keeping but for returning to him, and the blessing on one household becomes a family's work at his gates. The strength God has given you is itself an invitation to spend it serving him.

To think about: What blessing has God given you that could become a way of serving him and others?

About 1 Chronicles 26: Gatekeepers, Treasurers, and Officials

The Levite gatekeepers, including the God-blessed family of Obed-edom, receive their gates by lot. Other Levites guard the treasuries, including spoil from war set apart for the LORD’s house, while still others serve as judges and officials over Israel on both sides of the Jordan.

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