עֹבֵד אֱדוֹם (o.ved e.dom)
o.ved e.dom
Obed-edom
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Obed-edom means "servant of Edom" or "Edomite servant." It appears fifteen times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the historical books of Samuel and Chronicles. The name identifies a specific Levite from Gath who played a crucial role during King David’s reign.
This individual is best known for temporarily housing the Ark of the Covenant after Uzzah was struck down for touching it (2 Samuel 6:10-11). Despite his foreign-sounding name, he was a Merarite Levite and a gatekeeper. His household remained blessed during the three months the Ark stayed with him, leading David to move the sacred object to Jerusalem with greater reverence.
He also served as a chief singer and musician in the temple service (1 Chronicles 15:18). His family line became significant for future worship leaders, including his grandson Heman, who was appointed as the chief musician. The name itself may reflect his origin from Gath, a Philistine city associated with Edom in some contexts, or simply denote his loyal service.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Obed-edom means servant of Edom, yet this figure stands as a quiet example of faithful stewardship in Scripture. When the Ark of the Covenant was temporarily placed in his home, God blessed his entire household. This story reminds us that holiness is not just about grand rituals but about how we treat what belongs to God in our daily lives.
His role as a gatekeeper and musician shows that worship involves both guarding sacred things and leading others in praise. The blessing on his family highlights that God honors those who serve with reverence, regardless of their background. This offers hope that faithful service, even in small or hidden roles, is seen and valued by the Lord.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Edom20×
- Obed-11×
- and/ Obed-6×
- to/ Obed-1×
- and/ [belonged] to/ Obed-1×
- [belonged] to/ Obed-1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֱדֹ֖ם6×
- אֱדֹ֛ם5×
- עֹבֵֽד\־4×
- עֹבֵ֥ד4×
- עֹבֵ֣ד2×
- לְ/עֹבֵ֥ד2×
- וְ/עֹבֵ֨ד2×
- וְ/עֹבֵ֥ד2×
- אֱדֹם֙2×
- עֹבֵ֤ד1×
- וּ/לְ/עֹבֵ֥ד1×
- וְ/עֹבֵ֤ד1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 6:11
Yahweh’s ark remained in Obed-Edom the Gittite’s house three months; and Yahweh blessed Obed-Edom and all his house.
This verse highlights the direct blessing from God on Obed-edom's household because of the Ark's presence, showing that reverence for God brings tangible favor.
-
I Chronicles 15:24
Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, blew the trumpets before God’s ark; and Obed-Edom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the ark.
Here Obed-edom is listed alongside priests blowing trumpets, emphasizing his active role in the joyful procession of the Ark back to Jerusalem.
-
I Chronicles 26:8
All these were of the sons of Obed-Edom with their sons and their brothers, able men in strength for the service: sixty-two of Obed-Edom.
This passage details the large number of able men from his family who served as gatekeepers, illustrating the lasting legacy of his faithful service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Obed-edom?
Why did God bless Obed-edom's house?
What does Obed-edom's name mean?
Every Occurrence (15 verses across 3 books)
II Samuel 3 verses
So David would not move Yahweh’s ark to be with him in David’s city; but David carried it aside into Obed-Edom the…
II Samuel 6:11Yahweh’s ark remained in Obed-Edom the Gittite’s house three months; and Yahweh blessed Obed-Edom and all his house.
II Samuel 6:12King David was told, “Yahweh has blessed the house of Obed-Edom, and all that belongs to him, because of God’s ark.” So…