דברי הימים א, פרק כ״ו, פסוק ה׳

Obed-edom's family stands out in the biblical records due to a remarkable divine blessing. The genealogy of his sons concludes by highlighting this unique favor from God. The primary approach among commentators is that this blessing was a direct reward for his dedication in hosting and guarding the Ark of the Covenant in his home.

God rewarded him with an extraordinary expansion of his family [מצודת דוד]. According to rabbinic tradition, this explosive growth occurred when his wife and his eight daughters-in-law each gave birth to six children at the same time, resulting in sixty-two direct descendants [רד"ק, מלבי"ם].

While the total of sixty-two descendants is recorded in this account, another historical record counts sixty-eight members of the family. This difference is resolved by looking at the broader family unit. Obed-edom had sixty-two direct descendants, and when his six brothers are added to the count, the total reaches sixty-eight. The records group the family into distinct categories: the direct sons of Obed-edom, his grandsons, and other relatives who are not explicitly named. Furthermore, although they are sometimes described with a singular title like a man of valor, this description is meant to be understood collectively, recognizing the entire group as capable and mighty men [רד"ק].