1 Chronicles 26:8
All these of the sonnes of Obed-Edom: they and their sonnes and their brethren, able men for strength for the seruice, were threescore and two of Obed-Edom. 1 Chronicles 26:8 (KJV)
The book of 1 Chronicles records Israel’s history with a particular focus on the lineage of David and the establishment of the Temple in Jerusalem. Chapter 26 turns its attention to the organization of the gatekeepers who served the house of the Lord, listing the families entrusted with this vital duty. Among those families the verse highlights the sons of Obed‑edom, a Levite belonging to the clan of Korah. The name Obed‑edom means “servant of Edom,” and Scripture notes that his household was the place where the Ark of the Covenant was kept for a time (2 Samuel 6:10‑11). While the biblical record does not explicitly describe Obed‑edom’s family as gatekeepers for the Ark, it does identify them as a principal gate‑keeping family for the Temple.
The passage describes these men as “able men for strength,” a phrase that underscores both their physical vigor and their spiritual readiness to fulfill demanding responsibilities. Their capability was not merely a matter of muscle; it reflected a dedication to the sacred service of guarding the holy sanctuary. As gatekeepers, they were charged with protecting the entrances to the house of God, ensuring that only those authorized could enter, and maintaining the order and reverence appropriate to the presence of the Divine.
The verse also provides a concrete count of those who served in this capacity: sixty‑two able men, including the sons of Obed‑edom and their brethren. This sizable group illustrates the seriousness with which the community approached the protection of the Temple’s thresholds. Their collective strength and vigilance contributed to the orderly worship of Israel and the safeguarding of the most holy place.
In studying this passage, believers are reminded that service to God often requires both physical readiness and spiritual devotion. The example of Obed‑edom’s family encourages the church today to value strength of character, readiness to serve, and the importance of organized, faithful stewardship of God’s house.
