Obed-Edom and Abinadab's house and how they honored God 's presence

Obed-Edom and Abinadab both had the Ark of the Covenant in their homes at different times, but the outcomes were strikingly different because of how they honored God's presence. These stories serve as powerful illustrations of how reverence—or the lack thereof—toward the presence of God can impact individuals and households.

🏠 1. Abinadab’s House: Familiarity Without Reverence

Scripture Reference: 1 Samuel 7:1–2; 2 Samuel 6:1–7

➤ What Happened:

After the Ark was returned by the Philistines, it was placed in the house of Abinadab in Kiriath-Jearim.

It remained there for 20 years. His son Eleazar was consecrated to guard it.

However, there is no record of spiritual blessing or revival in Abinadab’s house during those years.

Later, when David attempted to bring the Ark to Jerusalem, Uzzah, another of Abinadab’s sons, reached out to steady the Ark when the oxen stumbled and was struck dead by God for irreverence (2 Samuel 6:6–7).

➤ Spiritual Insight:

Familiarity can breed contempt: The Ark became a piece of furniture instead of the throne of the living God.

Abinadab’s household had the form of religion but lacked the fear and honor of God’s holy presence.

This tragedy showed that proximity to the sacred doesn't guarantee blessing—it demands reverence.

🏡 2. Obed-Edom’s House: Reverence That Releases Blessing

Scripture Reference: 2 Samuel 6:10–12; 1 Chronicles 13:13–14

➤ What Happened:

After Uzzah’s death, David was afraid to bring the Ark into Jerusalem. Instead, he sent it to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite.

The Ark remained in Obed-Edom’s home for just 3 months—but the Lord blessed Obed-Edom and all his household (2 Samuel 6:11).

Obed-Edom did not treat the Ark with familiarity, but with holy reverence and hospitality.

His household’s honor toward God’s presence triggered an overflow of divine favor, so much so that David heard about it and brought the Ark to Jerusalem with great joy.

➤ Spiritual Insight:

Reverence releases reward: When God’s presence is honored, His blessing follows.

Obed-Edom likely prepared his home with purity, prayer, and praise.

After the Ark was moved to Jerusalem, Obed-Edom continued serving as a gatekeeper and worshiper in the house of God (1 Chronicles 15:18, 24; 1 Chronicles 26:4–8)—his life was forever changed.

🔥 Key Lessons from the Contrast:

Abinadab’s HouseObed-Edom’s House20 years with the Ark—no blessing recorded3 months with the Ark—abundant blessingTreated the Ark with familiarityTreated the Ark with fear and reverenceUzzah touched the Ark and diedObed-Edom honored it and lived blessedNo evident spiritual fruitGenerational impact and promotion in worship

💡 Application:

How do you treat God’s presence in your life or home? Is it routine or revered?

Worship, prayer, and holiness are signs of honoring the presence of God.

The blessing that followed Obed-Edom can be ours too if we create a dwelling place for God's glory through humility and honor (Psalm 24:3–6; Isaiah 66:2).

Would you like a 7-point sermon on this comparison with illustrations and applications?