שמואל ב, פרק ו׳, פסוק י׳

David decides to alter the planned journey of the Ark of God, opting to place it in alternative custody rather than bringing it into his own capital, the City of David, which is Zion [רד״ק]. Unwilling to continue the procession as initially intended, David diverts the Ark from the road leading to his city and redirects it toward the home of a man named Obed-edom [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The identity of Obed-edom, who is known as a Gittite, is understood in two distinct ways. The primary approach among commentators is that he was a member of the tribe of Levi. In this view, the title "Gittite" simply indicates that he lived in the city of Gath, rather than describing his actual ancestry. He was a gatekeeper whose family would later serve in the Temple. David's choice was highly intentional; as a Levite, Obed-edom was considered the most worthy and appropriate person to stand before the Ark and guard it in his home [מלבי״ם].

A contrasting approach suggests that Obed-edom was indeed a native of Gath who had converted to the Israelite faith. According to this understanding, the Ark was deliberately directed to his home to highlight the fact that God deeply loves converts [אהבת יהונתן].