David’s first attempt at moving the ark of God into Jerusalem was disastrous. Uzzah was killed because he touched the ark when it stumbled. The King hurriedly abandoned his mission and moved the ark into the house of Obed-Edom as an interim arrangement. Within three months, God had blessed Obed-Edom and his household so much so that David became jealous, and re-launched the plan to get the ark to Jerusalem.

It would appear that God deals with us based on knowledge…Severe punishment awaits those who sin with knowledge.

Who was Obed-Edom? We understand that he was a Gittite. For the record, a Gittite was an inhabitant of Gath, one of the chief Philistine cities. Obed-Edom probably was one of the Philistines who had emigrated to Judah. This background paves the way for several lessons. It would appear that God deals with us based on knowledge. Obed-Edom was not slain even though there are chances that he touched the ark while in his custody. A stranger to the ways of the God of Israel was not put under the same demand as those who knew Him well enough.  Let’s now consider how short a time for Obed-Edom and his household to be blessed. By making room for the ark of God, he literally opened the heaven over his life and all his works. You too can be blessed supernaturally within a reasonable time, if you make room for God in your life. Finally, it is interesting to note that the ark that killed Uzzah blessed Obed-Edom. This, points to the two sides of God. “Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off” (Romans 11:22). Severe punishment awaits those who sin with knowledge.