Obed-Edom

Obed-Edom was a former scout for King David whose broken leg had ended his years of active service. His household was struggling when David asked him to shelter the Ark of the Covenant, which had just struck a man dead for touching it. Obed-Edom accepted the frightening responsibility joyfully, trusting God despite his family's fears. His eight sons withdrew from their parents, but unexpected blessings followed: the garden flourished without rain, and his sick grandson Othni recovered. When his son Shemaiah returned in repentance, the family worshiped together. Obed-Edom later released the Ark without trying to keep its blessings for himself, and David appointed him as its gatekeeper alongside his sons and grandchildren.