The lot for the South Gate fell to Obed-edomIn the context of
1 Chronicles 26, the division of gatekeepers is being described. The casting of lots was a common biblical practice to determine God's will, seen in other instances such as the division of the land among the tribes of Israel (
Joshua 18:10). Obed-edom is a significant figure, previously mentioned in
1 Chronicles 13:14, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept in his house, bringing blessings upon him and his household. The South Gate likely refers to one of the gates of the temple or the city of Jerusalem, a critical position for maintaining security and order. This assignment reflects both trust and honor, as Obed-edom's household had been blessed by God, indicating his faithfulness and reliability.
and the lot for the storehouses to his sons
The storehouses were essential for the temple's operation, holding supplies such as grain, wine, and oil, which were used in offerings and for the sustenance of the priests and Levites. Assigning Obed-edom's sons to this task suggests a continuation of the blessing and responsibility bestowed upon their family. It highlights the importance of stewardship and faithfulness in managing God's provisions. This role also connects to the broader biblical theme of generational blessing and service, as seen in the Levitical duties passed down through families (Numbers 18:1-7). The mention of Obed-edom's sons underscores the biblical principle of family legacy in serving God, reminiscent of the promise to Abraham about his descendants (Genesis 17:7).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Obed-edomA Levite who was entrusted with the care of the Ark of the Covenant. He is noted for his faithfulness and the blessings that came upon his household as a result of his service.
2.
South GateOne of the gates of the temple, indicating a specific area of responsibility for the gatekeepers. The South Gate was significant for its strategic location and the flow of people entering the temple.
3.
StorehousesThese were places where temple treasures and offerings were kept. The responsibility for the storehouses was a position of trust and importance, ensuring the proper management of resources dedicated to God.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in ServiceObed-edom's assignment to the South Gate and his sons' responsibility for the storehouses highlight the importance of being faithful in whatever role God assigns us. Every task in God's kingdom, no matter how small it may seem, is significant.
Blessings of ObedienceThe account of Obed-edom reminds us that obedience and dedication to God's work bring blessings. His household was blessed because of his willingness to serve and honor God.
Stewardship of ResourcesThe role of managing the storehouses underscores the importance of stewardship. We are called to be good stewards of the resources God entrusts to us, whether they are material, spiritual, or relational.
Strategic PlacementBeing assigned to the South Gate suggests that God places us strategically for His purposes. We should seek to understand and embrace our God-given positions and roles.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 26:15?
2.How does 1 Chronicles 26:15 illustrate God's order in temple service assignments?
3.What role did Obed-Edom's family play in temple duties according to 1 Chronicles 26:15?
4.How can we apply the principle of faithful service from 1 Chronicles 26:15?
5.Compare Obed-Edom's responsibilities with other biblical figures assigned specific duties.
6.How does 1 Chronicles 26:15 encourage us to serve in our local church?
7.What is the significance of Obed-edom's lot in 1 Chronicles 26:15?
8.How does 1 Chronicles 26:15 reflect God's sovereignty in assigning roles?
9.Why was the south gate important in 1 Chronicles 26:15?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 26?
11.Who was Obed-Edom in the Bible?
12.1 Chronicles 26:13-19: How realistic are the high numbers of gatekeepers given the estimated population sizes of ancient Israel?
13.(1 Chronicles 13:13) Why is Obed-edom blessed for housing the Ark even though Uzza was killed for a seemingly minor infraction involving the same object?
14.Who was King Uzziah in the Bible?What Does 1 Chronicles 26:15 Mean
The lot- In Israel, casting lots was the God-ordained way to reveal His choice in matters of service and inheritance (Proverbs 16:33;Joshua 18:6, 10;Acts 1:24-26).
- By using lots, human bias was removed and the people could trust that “the decision is from the LORD” (Proverbs 16:33).
- Here, the process underscores that temple ministry assignments were not arbitrary; every role was divinely appointed.
for the South Gate- The temple mount had four principal entrances (1 Chronicles 26:14-18). The south side faced the City of David and was heavily trafficked, making its gate crucial for worshipers entering with offerings (Ezekiel 40:24-26).
- Guarding this gate meant safeguarding both security and reverence, a sacred trust given only to proven servants (compare1 Chronicles 9:17-19).
fell to Obed-edom- Obed-edom had already demonstrated wholehearted devotion when the ark rested at his house and the Lord “blessed his household and everything he owned” (2 Samuel 6:10-12).
- His earlier willingness to host the ark shows a heart for God’s presence; assigning him the gate affirms that past faithfulness leads to future responsibility (Luke 16:10).
- As one of the chief gatekeepers (1 Chronicles 15:18, 24), he was trusted with high-profile service that protected and facilitated worship.
and the lot- A second drawing kept the process orderly and impartial, reminding Israel that every responsibility—large or small—was governed by God’s sovereign will (Numbers 26:55-56).
- Separate lots avoided confusion: one office per person, one mission per family, echoing1 Corinthians 14:40, “Let all things be done decently and in order.”
for the storehouses- Temple storehouses housed tithes, offerings, and sacred utensils (1 Chronicles 26:20-28;Nehemiah 10:38-39).
- Guarding these rooms protected the resources that funded worship and cared for priests, Levites, and the poor (Malachi 3:10).
- This ministry required integrity and vigilance: mismanagement would dishonor God and harm His people (2 Kings 12:15).
to his sons- Obed-edom’s sons had already distinguished themselves as “capable men with strength for the work” (1 Chronicles 26:6-8).
- The phrase shows how God multiplies blessing through generations that remain faithful (Psalm 103:17-18;Proverbs 20:7).
- Entrusting the sons with the storehouses illustrates a balanced family stewardship: the father oversees the gate of entry; the sons oversee the treasures within, each complementing the other (3John 4).
summary1 Chronicles 26:15 reveals God’s precise ordering of temple service. By lot, He placed Obed-edom—a man proven faithful—at the busy South Gate, and his sons over the sacred storehouses. The verse highlights divine sovereignty in ministry assignments, the importance of vigilant guardianship over both access and resources, and the generational blessing that flows from unwavering devotion to the LORD.
(15)
To Obed-edom (the lot fell)
southward; and to his sons(fell by lot)
the house of Asuppim.--"Asuppim" occurs only in
1Chronicles 26:15;
1Chronicles 26:17 of this chapter, and in
Nehemiah 12:25. It seems to mean
collections, stores of provisions and material for the use of the Temple and its ministers; so that Beth-h?-asuppim is
the storehouse or
magazine. Nothing more is known about it. (The Vulgate takes
'asuppim to mean "Council of Elders;" confusing the word with
'asuppoth,Ecclesiastes 12:11.)
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
[The lot for] the South [Gate]נֶ֑גְבָּה(neḡ·bāh)Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5045:South country, the Negeb, south[fell] toלְעֹבֵ֥ד(lə·‘ō·ḇêḏ)Preposition
Strong's HebrewObed-edom,אֱדֹ֖ם(’ĕ·ḏōm)Preposition | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5654:Obed-edom -- 'servant of Edom', an Israelite nameand the lot for the storehousesבֵּ֥ית(bêṯ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004:A houseto his sons.וּלְבָנָ֖יו(ū·lə·ḇā·nāw)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121:A son
Links
1 Chronicles 26:15 NIV1 Chronicles 26:15 NLT1 Chronicles 26:15 ESV1 Chronicles 26:15 NASB1 Chronicles 26:15 KJV
1 Chronicles 26:15 BibleApps.com1 Chronicles 26:15 Biblia Paralela1 Chronicles 26:15 Chinese Bible1 Chronicles 26:15 French Bible1 Chronicles 26:15 Catholic Bible
OT History: 1 Chronicles 26:15 To Obed-Edom southward (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)