Page "Obed-Edom" Paragraph 1

# " The Gittite " ( probably so called because he was a native of Gath-rimmon ), a Levite of the family of the Korhites ,.

He had taken up residence in Judah, perhaps as a convert to the religion of David, who had many followers among the Gittites.

This could explain David's willingness to entrust a foreigner with the custody of the ark of the covenant.

For when David was bringing up the ark " from the house of Abinadab, that was in Gibeah " ( probably some hill or eminence near Kiriath-jearim ), and had reached Nachon's threshing-floor, he became afraid after Uzzah, one of the two oxcart drivers transporting the ark, touched it to prevent it from falling, and immediately was struck dead.

So David carried it aside into the house of Obed-edom.

There it remained for three months and was to him and his house the occasion of great blessing.

David then removed it with great rejoicing to Jerusalem, and set it in the midst of the Tabernacle he had pitched for it.