1. A Philistine from Gath who apparently was loyal to David and Israel. At Obed-edom's house David left the ark of the covenant following the death of Uzzah at the hand of God (2 Samuel 6:6-11 ). Obed-edom was unusually blessed of God (probably a reference to prosperity) during the three months the ark was at his house. 2. A Levite who served as both gatekeeper and musician in the tabernacle in Jerusalem during David's reign (1Chronicles 15:18,1 Chronicles 15:24; 1 Chronicles 16:5 ). His duties related especially to the ark of the covenant. A guild of Levites may have adopted the name “Obed-edom” as their title as keepers of the ark.
3. A member of the Korhites (1Chronicles 26:1,1 Chronicles 26:4-8 ) who kept the south of the Temple (1 Chronicles 26:15 ).
4. A keeper of the sacred vessels of the Temple. Joash of Israel took him with the sacred vessels to Samaria following his capture of Jerusalem and of Amaziah king of Judah (2 Chronicles 25:23-24 ).