2 Samuel 6:8

Then David became angry because the LORD had burst forth against Uzzah; so he named that place Perez-uzzah, as it is called to this day.

Study Bible

Then David became angry
David's anger reflects a complex emotional response to the death of Uzzah. This reaction can be understood in the context of his deep desire to honor God by bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. His anger may have been directed at himself for not following the prescribed method of transporting the Ark, at Uzzah for touching the Ark, or even at God for the severity of the punishment. This moment highlights the tension between human emotion and divine holiness.

because the LORD had burst forth against Uzzah.
The phrase "burst forth" indicates a sudden and powerful action by God, reminiscent of the earlier event at Baal-perazim (2 Samuel 5:20), where God "burst through" David's enemies. Uzzah's death serves as a stark reminder of the holiness of God and the importance of adhering to His commands, particularly regarding the sacredness of the Ark. The Ark was to be carried by Levites using poles, as outlined in Numbers 4:15, and not on a cart, which was the method used by the Philistines (1 Samuel 6:7-8).

So he named that place Perez-uzzah,
The naming of the place Perez-uzzah, meaning "outburst against Uzzah," serves as a memorial to the event. Naming places after significant events was a common practice in biblical times, serving both as a reminder of God's actions and as a teaching tool for future generations. This act of naming underscores the importance of remembering and learning from past events.

as it is called to this day.
The phrase "as it is called to this day" suggests that the account was written or compiled at a time when the name was still in use, indicating the lasting impact of the event on the collective memory of Israel. This enduring name serves as a testament to the seriousness with which God views His holiness and the obedience of His people. It also reflects the historical reliability of the biblical narrative, as such place names often provide geographical and archaeological insights into the biblical world.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who is leading the procession to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem.

2. Uzzah
A man who touched the Ark of the Covenant to steady it and was struck down by God for his irreverence.

3. The LORD
The God of Israel, who enacts judgment upon Uzzah for his actions.

4. Perez-uzzah
The place named by David, meaning "outburst against Uzzah," marking the event where God struck Uzzah.

5. The Ark of the Covenant
The sacred chest representing God's presence, being transported to Jerusalem.

Teaching Points

Reverence for God's Holiness
The incident with Uzzah underscores the importance of approaching God with reverence and respect for His holiness. It serves as a reminder that God's instructions are to be followed precisely.

Obedience to God's Commands
The event highlights the necessity of adhering to God's commands, as outlined in Scripture. Disobedience, even with good intentions, can lead to severe consequences.

Understanding God's Justice
David's anger and fear reflect a human response to divine justice. This passage invites believers to grapple with the nature of God's justice and the importance of aligning our understanding with His character.

The Role of Leadership
As a leader, David's reaction and subsequent actions demonstrate the responsibility of leaders to ensure that God's commands are followed and to respond appropriately to God's discipline.

Naming and Remembering
Naming the place Perez-uzzah serves as a memorial of God's actions. It is important for believers to remember and learn from past events to grow in their faith and understanding.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the event at Perez-uzzah challenge our understanding of God's holiness and justice?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are approaching God with the reverence He deserves in our daily lives?

3. How does the account of Uzzah relate to other biblical accounts of God's judgment, such as Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10?

4. What lessons can we learn from David's response to God's actions, and how can we apply these lessons to our leadership roles today?

5. How can we create "memorials" in our own lives to remember and learn from God's actions and teachings?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Chronicles 13:9-11
This passage provides a parallel account of the event, offering additional context and details about the incident with Uzzah.

Exodus 25:14-15
These verses outline the specific instructions given by God regarding how the Ark should be carried, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands.

Leviticus 10:1-3
The account of Nadab and Abihu, who were also struck down for offering unauthorized fire, highlighting the seriousness of approaching God with reverence and obedience.

Psalm 30:5
This verse speaks to the nature of God's anger and favor, providing insight into the balance of God's justice and mercy.