The Blessing of Obed-Edom's Household

Introduction

• The Ark of the Lord was in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months.
• During this period, the Lord blessed Obed-Edom and all his household.

Historical Context

• Josephus' Account:
  • Josephus, a Jewish historian, wrote about Jewish history during Roman times.
  • He described Obed-Edom as a very poor man when the Ark was brought to his house, indicating why his house was outside Jerusalem.
  • King David, fearing the Ark, placed it in Obed-Edom's house, which was nearby.

Visible Blessings

• The blessings were not just spiritual or internal, but visible and evident to all.
• King David was informed of the blessings on Obed-Edom's household and everything he owned because of the Ark's presence.
  • This implies a transformation that was apparent to others.

The Grace Factor

• The talk touches upon the concept of the "Grace Factor," likened to the world’s "X Factor."
• Charisma is derived from the Greek word Karis, meaning grace.
• God's favor, or grace, provides an ageless quality to individuals.
• The speaker encourages seeking God's grace for blessings similar to those of Obed-Edom.

Effects of the Blessings

• The blessings extended to:
  • Improved peace in the household.
  • Increased performance in academic settings for children.
  • Bumper crops and harvests ahead of time.
• Obed-Edom’s entire household experienced notable improvements in three months.
• This was significant enough for others to report back to King David.

David’s Response

• During the three months, King David fought battles and studied the scriptures.
• Upon hearing of Obed-Edom’s blessings, David felt a sense of jealousy and realized his initial error.
• David decided to bring the Ark to the City of David to extend blessings to his city and the entire nation of Israel.

Obed-Edom’s Decision

• Obed-Edom, upon hearing the decision to move the Ark, chose to follow it.
• He and his family went to the City of David, where he became a doorkeeper of the Ark.
• This move signifies his deep attachment and recognition of the blessings associated with the Ark.