Definition: And the ark of God remained with the family of Obededom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obededom, and all that he had.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 13:14 together. It’s a really interesting story about God’s blessing! Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, God is giving blessings to someone who has been diligently and faithfully caring for their family. Let’s break it down further: “And the ark of God remained with the family of Obededom…” – This refers to a special wooden box or container that was kept in a house. The word “ark” comes from the Hebrew word meaning "container" or "shelter." It's a symbol of protection and safekeeping. “…in his house three months.” – This tells us it was held there for a specific period, like a long time. “And the LORD blessed the house of Obededom, and all that he had.” – This is the key part! The Lord God is saying that because Obededom was diligently caring for his family in their home, He is giving blessings to that entire household. It wasn’t just about the ark itself; it was a direct result of his faithfulness. So, what does this tell us about God's perspective? It suggests that: God values responsibility and care. The verse emphasizes that God appreciates people who are dedicated to their families and their duties. Blessings come from consistent effort. It’s not just about having something, but about doing something diligently and with a good heart. In short, this verse is a beautiful reminder that God rewards faithfulness and diligence, and that His blessings often come as a result of our efforts to care for those we love. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore what it might mean in a broader theological sense (like its connection to themes of stewardship)?