1 Chronicles 13:10

And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and He struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God.

Study Bible

And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah
This phrase indicates God's intense displeasure, a recurring theme when His holiness is violated. The anger of the LORD is often depicted in the Old Testament as a response to disobedience or irreverence (e.g., Numbers 11:1, 2 Samuel 6:7). Uzzah's action was a direct violation of God's command regarding the handling of the Ark of the Covenant, which was to be carried by Levites using poles (Exodus 25:14-15, Numbers 4:15). This incident underscores the seriousness with which God views His instructions and the sanctity of His presence.

and He struck him down
The immediate consequence of Uzzah's action was divine judgment. This reflects the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him with reverence and obedience. The act of striking down is a demonstration of God's justice, similar to other instances where God's holiness was compromised, such as the deaths of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2). It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disregarding God's commands.

because he had put his hand on the ark
Touching the Ark was strictly forbidden, as it was the physical representation of God's presence among His people. The Ark was to be treated with utmost respect and was only to be handled by designated individuals under specific conditions (Numbers 4:15). Uzzah's action, though seemingly well-intentioned, was a breach of divine protocol, highlighting the importance of obedience over human reasoning. This incident emphasizes the need for reverence in worship and adherence to God's instructions.

So he died there before God
Uzzah's death occurred in the presence of God, illustrating the immediate and direct nature of divine judgment. This phrase emphasizes the seriousness of the situation and the reality of God's holiness. The location of his death, "before God," signifies the sacredness of the event and the presence of God in the midst of His people. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need for holiness and reverence in the presence of the Almighty, echoing the broader biblical theme that God is to be approached with fear and respect (Hebrews 12:28-29).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Uzzah
A man who was struck down by God for touching the Ark of the Covenant. His action, though seemingly well-intentioned, violated the sacredness of the Ark.

2. The Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence and covenant with Israel. It was to be handled with utmost reverence and according to specific divine instructions.

3. David
The King of Israel who organized the transport of the Ark to Jerusalem. His desire was to bring the Ark to the city, but the method of transport was not in accordance with God's law.

4. The Anger of the LORD
This event highlights God's holiness and the seriousness of His commands. The anger of the LORD is a response to disobedience and irreverence.

5. Perez Uzzah
The place where Uzzah was struck down, named to commemorate the event. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of not following God's instructions.

Teaching Points

Reverence for God's Holiness
God's holiness demands our utmost respect and obedience. We must approach Him with reverence, understanding the seriousness of His commands.

Obedience to God's Instructions
God's instructions are not arbitrary; they are given for our good and His glory. We must strive to understand and follow His Word diligently.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Disobedience, even with good intentions, can lead to severe consequences. We must be careful to align our actions with God's will.

The Importance of Proper Worship
Worship must be conducted in a manner that honors God. This includes following His guidelines and maintaining a heart of humility and reverence.

Learning from Biblical Examples
The account of Uzzah serves as a cautionary tale. We should learn from such examples to avoid similar mistakes in our spiritual journey.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the incident with Uzzah teach us about the nature of God's holiness and our approach to Him?

2. How can we ensure that our worship and service to God align with His instructions, as outlined in Scripture?

3. In what ways might we, like Uzzah, act with good intentions but still fall short of God's standards? How can we guard against this?

4. How does the account of Uzzah challenge us to examine our own obedience to God's Word in our daily lives?

5. What other biblical examples can you think of where disobedience led to severe consequences, and what lessons can we draw from them?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25:14-15
These verses provide the original instructions for carrying the Ark, emphasizing the use of poles and the role of the Levites. Uzzah's death underscores the importance of adhering to these divine instructions.

2 Samuel 6:6-7
This parallel account of Uzzah's death provides additional context and highlights the same event, reinforcing the lesson of reverence and obedience to God's commands.

Numbers 4:15
This passage outlines the duties of the Kohathites, who were responsible for carrying the Ark. It explicitly states that touching the holy objects would result in death, which directly relates to Uzzah's fate.