Peullethai

Background and Family

Peullethai appears in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles within the context of King David’s reorganization of the Levites. He was the youngest of eight sons born to Obed-edom. The biblical text explicitly lists his brothers as Shemaiah, Jehozabad, Joah, Sachar, Nethanel, Ammiel, and Issachar. The family belonged to the Korahite branch of the tribe of Levi, a group traditionally tasked with the oversight of the entrances to the sanctuary.

His father, Obed-edom, is famously associated with the period when the Ark of the Covenant was temporarily housed in his home after the death of Uzzah. The chronicler notes that Peullethai and his brothers were a result of God’s blessing upon Obed-edom (1 Chronicles 26:5). The strength and number of his offspring were viewed as a direct consequence of the family's proximity to the presence of God during the three months the Ark remained under their roof.

Major Life Events

While the Bible does not record specific personal anecdotes regarding Peullethai, his primary contribution was his participation in the structured divisions of the gatekeepers. During the United Monarchy, David established these divisions to ensure that the house of God was never left unattended. Peullethai would have been part of a rotation that guarded the gates of the sanctuary, likely serving in the area assigned to the house of Obed-edom, which was the southern gate and the storehouse (Asuppim).

Relationship to Other Biblical Figures

Peullethai’s identity is inextricably linked to his father, Obed-edom. The biblical author takes care to list each of the eight sons by name, culminating with Peullethai. This serves to validate the status of his descendants as legitimate Levite officials. He was also related to a larger kin-group of sixty-two able-bodied men from the house of Obed-edom who were recognized for their strength and capability in the service of the tabernacle. Among his brothers, Shemaiah is noted for having sons who were also leaders and men of great ability.

Spiritual Significance

The mention of Peullethai in 1 Chronicles 26:5 is punctuated by the theological observation: "For God had blessed him [Obed-edom]." Peullethai represents the fruit of that blessing. In the ancient Israelite worldview, a large family of sons who were capable of serving in the house of the Lord was the ultimate sign of divine favor. Peullethai’s life exemplifies the transition of a family from private citizens hosting the Ark to a formal, multi-generational dynasty of temple servants. His role, though humble as a gatekeeper, was considered a position of high trust, ensuring the distinction between the holy and the profane.