The Fine Print: Can You Hold the Ark?
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
The Blessing of Obed-Edom and the Dwelling Place of the Holy God
Hey Friend! I want to jump right into our topic for today. I pray that today's topic draws you closer to our righteous ruler. Lord speak to our hearts and reveal yourself in a new way today. I pray that it does not become head knowledge but a fresh encounter. Amen.
Let’s dive into the Obed-Edom blessing. Have you heard of Obed-Edom?
Ok, let’s set the stage: Before we step into Obed-Edom’s story, we need to understand something critical: The Ark of the Covenant was not a symbol. It was not a good luck charm. It was the physical manifestation of God's covenant, His commandments, and His presence among His people.
Inside the Ark were the tablets of the law—God’s handwritten commands, Aaron’s rod that budded—a sign of God’s chosen leadership—and a golden jar of manna—a reminder of His supernatural provision (Hebrews 9:4). Above it sat the Mercy Seat, with two golden cherubim whose wings stretched upward, facing one another. And it was there—between the wings—that the glory of the living God chose to dwell (Exodus 25:22).
The Ark was so holy, so saturated with God's presence, that to mishandle it meant death (Numbers 4:15). Only consecrated priests could carry it—and even they had to follow God's exact instructions.
The Ark was not to be touched. Not to be casually approached. Not to be treated like common cargo.
It was holy because God is holy.
Now that you know the weight of what the Ark represented, I have to ask you—and myself—an honest question:
Can you hold the Ark? Not physically. But spiritually.
Could you carry the presence of a holy God—not just in church, not just on a good day—but in the ordinary, private places of your life?
Could you host Him with the honor He deserves?
Part 1: The Day the Ark Came Knocking
The story of Obed-Edom begins in the aftermath of a tragedy. King David was bringing the Ark of God back to Jerusalem, celebrating with singing, dancing, and sacrifice. But somewhere along the way, they forgot something vital: God's holiness cannot be approached casually.
When the oxen stumbled and the Ark tilted, a man named Uzzah instinctively reached out to steady it—and he was struck dead on the spot (2 Samuel 6:6-7).
The procession stopped. Fear and confusion spread. Even David was afraid to continue.
The Ark needed a resting place. But who could bear such a holy responsibility?
That’s when the attention turned toward Obed-Edom the Gittite.
Imagine standing at your doorway, watching the most sacred object in the history of your people being carried toward you—not with celebration now, but with trembling hands.
No time to prepare. No guarantee you would survive the night.
“Will you take it?”
And somehow, Obed-Edom said yes.
Part 2: The Presence That Changes Everything
The Ark entered his home. And nothing was ever the same again.
Scripture tells us:
"The Ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months. And the Lord blessed Obed-Edom and all his household." (2 Samuel 6:11, ESV)
Three months.
Three months of hosting the very glory of God.
And in those three months, Obed-Edom’s entire household flourished. Blessing—real, measurable, supernatural favor—rested on him.
The same presence that had brought judgment to Uzzah brought life, peace, and abundance to Obed-Edom.
Why? Because Obed-Edom reverenced what others treated lightly.
He did not approach the presence of God casually. He honored it. He humbled himself before it. And God blessed him beyond measure.
Part 3: Legacy of a Dwelling Place
Obed-Edom’s story doesn’t end after those three months. Once you've tasted the presence of God, you cannot return to life as usual.
Obed-Edom followed the Ark. He became a gatekeeper of the house of God (1 Chronicles 15:24). His sons and grandsons were counted as men of strength, skill, and blessing (1 Chronicles 26:4–8).
His life became a testimony: those who make room for God's presence are forever marked by His glory.
An Invitation to You and Me
Today, there’s no golden Ark sitting behind a curtain. There’s something greater.
"Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16, ESV)
The Spirit of the living God now chooses to dwell in us.
But the question still stands:
Can we hold the Ark?
Can we carry His presence with reverence? Can we honor Him in how we live, speak, decide, and worship—not casually, but with holy fear?
Will we be dwelling places—or drive-by encounters?
Prayer: Make Me a Dwelling Place
Holy God,
Thank You for being faithful. Thank You for Your unfailing love. I choose You. Decrease me, Lord, so that You may increase in me.
Cleanse my heart, Lord, and make it Your dwelling place. Teach me to honor You—not with mere lip service, but with my life.
Let my heart become a holy resting place, like Obed-Edom’s home. Let my reverence invite Your blessing—not for my own gain, but for Your glory.
Make me ever aware of Your nearness. Let me never take lightly what is sacred.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
