Sachar
Sachar was a son of Obed-edom and a Levitical gatekeeper during the reign of King David.
Biography
Sachar appears in 1 Chronicles 26:4 as one of the eight sons of Obed-edom, a Levite who had faithfully housed the Ark of the Covenant during David's reign and experienced divine blessing as a result (1 Chronicles 13:14). Sachar was among the sons appointed as gatekeepers for the sanctuary, a position of significant responsibility in the Davidic organization of temple worship. His family's assignment to gatekeeper duty in 1 Chronicles 26:1-19 reflects the elaborate administrative structure David established for the future temple. The name Sachar likely means "reward" or "hire," perhaps commemorating God's abundant blessing upon the household of Obed-edom, in which Sachar was raised.
Significance
Sachar's life is framed by one of the most striking demonstrations of divine blessing in David's reign, the extraordinary flourishing of his father Obed-edom's household during the three months the Ark resided there (2 Samuel 6:11-12; 1 Chronicles 13:14). Born into this context of covenant favor, Sachar served as a gatekeeper for the sanctuary, a role that Psalm 84:10 celebrates as surpassing even the most honored position outside God's presence. His assignment by lot alongside his brothers illustrates the Chronicler's theological point that sacred service is a divine calling distributed by God's sovereign will, each role, however unsung, essential to the ordered worship of Israel's God.
Verse Appearances (1)
1Chr
References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]