READING THE BOOK OF First Chronicles CHAPTER TwentySix.
Our favorite verse in 1 Chronicles Chapter 26 is:
Obed-Edom also had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sakar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth (1 Chronicles 26:4 NIV).
Lessons from Obed Edom
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Historical commentary.– Seeing Uzzah die, David, acknowledged that his own heart was not entirely in harmony with God, he was afraid of the ark, afraid that his sins may be punished. But Obed-Edom, although trembling with gladness welcomed the sacred symbol of God’s favor to the obedient. All Israel focussed their attention on Gittite and his house, to see how they would do with the ark. “And the Lord blessed Obed-Edom and all his household.” PP 693.
- By divine command, only the members of the tribe of Levi could participate in all matters relating to the service of the sanctuary. However, some were appointed as gatekeepers of the temple. Although not involved in music, they were the guardians of the treasure and were responsible for “foreign affairs” of Israel, such as governors and judges (1 Chronicles 26:29-32). This teaches us that there is no insignificant work in the cause of God. We should worship God according to the talents entrusted to us.
- Obed-Edom was not of the tribe of Levi, because his name appears on the chronology of chapter 26 directly, without mentioning his ancestors. The fact that he cared and ministered for the sanctuary at home with efficiency and dedication enabled him and his family to be included in the service of the sanctuary. The same is offered to us, we do not belong to the family of priest, but his promise says: “you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” ( 1 Peter 2:9,10)
Prayer
Lord, worthy of all praise. Help that our worship and praise, whether personal, congregational or in assembles through music may be accepted and worthy of your presence e. At the same time, we pray that you keep us just and humble, while keeping us away from discriminatory acts toward our fellow men. In the name of Jesus, Amen
By Dr. Franz Rios, Translated and adapted by Pablo J. Rios.
