The Obedience of Obed-edom
2 Samuel 6: 10-12
Our text today records an event that transpired while David sought to move the ark of God back to Jerusalem, and place it within the Tabernacle. Many years earlier the ark had been captured by the Philistines in battle, but they were unwilling to keep the ark because of the wrath they endured while it was in their presence. Once the ark was returned, it was kept at the house of Abinadab in Gibeah. The ark had been in Gibeah for over sixty years, and Saul had not sought or inquired of the Lord at the ark during all of his reign. While David had noble and right ambitions, the moving of the ark met great tragedy and experienced delay.
As we consider the passage before us, it is important to remember that the ark of God represented His power and presence to the nation of Israel. While it was found within its place, behind the veil in the Tabernacle, God’s presence dwelt there and the sacrifices were offered on the Day of Atonement. The ark was the most precious possession Israel had.
As Jesus died on the cross of Calvary, the veil of the Temple was rent in two. We are no longer separated from God, and every believer has equal access to the throne of grace. The ark is no longer needed to experience the presence and power of God. However, this passage reveals unchanging truth regarding our attitude before the Lord, the means by which we enter His presence, and the blessings associated with the presence of our Lord. I want to examine the lessons within the text as we consider: The Obedience of Obed-edom.
I. An Attitude of Fear (10) – So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. Here we discover the attitude of fear that gripped David as they moved the ark to Jerusalem. Consider:
A. The Reason for Fear (10a) – So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into the city of David. We find that David refused to go any further with the ark at this time. His fear had come because of the great tragedy experienced while moving the ark. God had ordained that the ark was to be moved in a very specific manner. The sons of Kohath had been set aside to carry the ark with poles upon their shoulders. Under no circumstance was the ark to be placed on a cart and moved by animals. Apparently David was either unaware of God’s command or felt as if he could get by moving it as he pleased. While moving the ark, the oxen who carried it stumbled, and a servant named Uzzah must have feared the ark would fall. He put forth his hand to steady the ark, and God smote Uzzah, and he died. This created great fear in the heart of David and all who were involved in moving the ark.
While we are not dependent upon the ark for the Lord’s presence, nor are we trying to move such a sacred piece of furniture, an unchanging principle remains. In order to approach the Lord, we must come before Him according to His demands. Our means of approach is by and through the Son, Jesus Christ our Savior. John 14:6 –Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Acts 4:12 – Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. We must come before the Lord with a pure heart, and an attitude of fear and reverence. He is not to be sought in a casual manner or without sincerity. We lack His power and presence in our midst because we have lost our fear and reverence for the Lord. He is holy and just, and we must approach Him in recognition of His holiness!
B. The Reflection of Fear (10a) – So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into the city of David. Following the death of Uzzah, David became angry with God and afraid to proceed with the ark. He decided to abandon the effort of bringing the ark to Jerusalem. While David was a man after God’s own heart, with sincere motives, he failed to seek the Lord or follow His direction. His disobedience had caused the death of an innocent man, and David was afraid to proceed. 2 Sam.6:9 – And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me? He became aware of his mistake and determined to go no further until He had time to seek the Lord.
This ought to cause each of us to pause and reflect on the holiness of our Lord. Why have we gathered today? How have we lived our lives this past week? Have we prayed and sought the Lord prior to coming into His house? We need to see the Lord as He is, holy and pure. I am convinced such a view of the Lord would transform our lives, our worship, and every aspect of our existence. God doesn’t expect us to cower in fear, but to recognize and honor Him.
C. The Response to Fear (10b) – but David carried it aside into the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. David’s attitude and approach would eventually change, but at this moment he chose to proceed no further. He abandoned his pursuit of the ark and left it in the home of Obed-edom. His faulty approach had caused him to move on without the ark and the presence of God.
Many today are living as David did at this moment. They have sought the Lord according to their own ways or desires, and have concluded their pursuit isn’t worth the effort. They desire the presence and power of God, but they want it according to their terms. When their approach doesn’t go according to plan, they quickly abandon their pursuit of the Lord and His presence.
II. An Abundance of Favor (11) – And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obed-edom, and all his household. Here we discover the abundance Obed-edom enjoyed by having the ark within his home. Consider:
A. The Placement (11a) – And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months. David turned aside and placed the ark within the house of Obed-edom, where it remained for three months. We have no details that reveal how or why Obed-edom was chosen to house the ark, but it is apparent that he was obedient to the request. He opened his house to the ark of God.
We, like Obed-edom, need to make room in our lives and homes for the Lord. I am aware that every believer possesses the Holy Spirit within. He is with us wherever we go, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that all welcome the presence of the Lord or seek Him continually. I want to live in such a way that I welcome the Lord’s presence into my life daily. I want to wake in the morning to experience Him. I want to commune with Him throughout the day, and I want to speak with Him as I prepare to lie down at night.
B. The Provision (11b) – and the LORD blessed Obed-edom, and all his household. While the ark remained in Obed-edom’s house, the Lord blessed him and his entire household. The family enjoyed the abundant blessing of God because of the presence of the ark.
We don’t serve the Lord simply to receive His blessings, or at least that shouldn’t be our approach, but it is good to receive His abundance. I want all the Lord has to offer. I want to experience His presence and power in my life. I desire that for my family, our church, and our land. Having the Lord’s presence will not prevent difficulty, but it sure helps as we face those trials. Are you interested in the Lord’s presence? Make Him welcome in your life!
C. The Providence (10b-11a) – Twice in these verses we read that Obed-edom was a Gittite. This reveals that he was from the land of Gath, a Philistine area. Many scholars agree that Obed-edom was likely a Gentile, but yet he made room for the Lord. He may have been a Gentile, but he believed in Jehovah God, and was among the first Gentiles to experience the grace of God.
It would be centuries later, but following the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, Paul was called an apostle to the Gentiles. The Lord came to provide atonement for the sin of humanity, Jew and Gentile alike. I am glad the grace and provision of Christ is available to whosoever. Anyone who comes to the Lord in repentance and faith can enjoy the abundance of His grace and provision in salvation. I will never forget the day the Lord moved in to my life, saving me by His grace, never to depart!
III. An Assessment of Faith (12) – And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom into the city of David with gladness. The Lord blessed the home of Obed-edom and word soon got out. The faith and obedience of Obed-edom challenged the faith of others. Notice:
A. The Affirmation (12a) – And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that pertaineth unto him. As the Lord blessed Obed-edom and his house, others began to notice. Eventually word came to David. Those who were aware of Obed-edom’s blessings soon told the king of God’s goodness. He possessed a strong witness to the goodness and favor of God. The life of Obed-edom testified of the God he served. This caused others to desire what Obed-edom had.
Wouldn’t it be great if every child of God possessed such a testimony? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the world had to take notice of our relationship with Christ? What if we all lived in such a way that it created a desire in the hearts of others for what we possess in the Lord? We have such an opportunity, but we must welcome the Lord into our lives as Obed-edom did.
B. The Association (12a) – And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. It was clear that God had made the difference. As far as we know, Obed-edom was living an ordinary life until the ark came within his house. When the presence of the Lord began to dwell there, things changed greatly, for the better. Those who knew Obed-edom also recognized the source of his blessing. His friends and neighbors were forced to acknowledge the abundance of God in his life.
This challenged me greatly. I am not advocating we serve the Lord for material blessings and wealth, but I do want my life to bear witness to the grace and goodness of my Lord. I want others to see the benefit of a life lived for Christ. I want them to notice the difference that Jesus makes. I want to live in such a way that others have to notice Christ in me!
C. The Attraction (12b) – So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom into the city of David with gladness. The blessing of Obed-edom rekindled the desire in David’s heart. After hearing of how God had blessed him, David wanted to experience that as well. He returned to the home of Obed-edom and brought the ark to Jerusalem with gladness. The faithful obedience of a servant of the Lord created a hunger in the heart of the king of Israel.
Never underestimate the power of a life lived for Christ. There is always someone watching your life. They are aware of your faith, and many are watching to see what it produces. If you are saved by grace, you have the Spirit abiding within. You have the ability to be an effective witness for the Lord. Obed-edom didn’t do anything special. He simply welcomed the ark into his house and impacted the king. What would happen if we would welcome the Lord into every area of life? I am certain our lives would reflect the Lord more than they currently do, and we would make a significant impact on the lives of others.
Conclusion: This passage reveals the impact of a life lived in obedience to the Lord. It reveals the benefits of desiring the Lord and seeking His presence. I continue to believe the average Christian is living well below their means spiritually. Is the Lord welcome in your life? Do you enjoy sweet fellowship with Him daily, or is it more of a rarity? We can enjoy His presence and power continually, but we must welcome His presence and humble ourselves before Him.
If you are unsaved, you can’t identify with the blessing Obed-edom enjoyed. Why not respond to the call of salvation today and receive Christ as your Savior? You too will then be able to enjoy the abiding presence of the Spirit.
