Topical Bible: Judgments: Uzzah

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Background and Context:

Uzzah is a biblical figure whose account is recounted in 2 Samuel 6:1-7 and 1 Chronicles 13:9-10. He is known for his involvement in the transportation of the Ark of the Covenant during King David's reign. The Ark, a sacred chest containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments, was being moved from the house of Abinadab to Jerusalem. This event is significant in understanding the holiness of God and the importance of obedience to His commands.

The Incident:

As the Ark was being transported on a new cart driven by Uzzah and his brother Ahio, the oxen stumbled at the threshing floor of Nacon (or Chidon in 1 Chronicles). Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the Ark, an act that led to his immediate death by divine judgment. The Berean Standard Bible recounts this event in 2 Samuel 6:6-7: "When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen had stumbled. And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down on the spot for his irreverence, and he died there beside the ark of God."

Theological Significance:

The judgment upon Uzzah serves as a profound reminder of the holiness and sanctity of God. The Ark of the Covenant was not merely a religious artifact but a symbol of God's presence among His people. According to the Law given to Moses, the Ark was to be carried by the Levites using poles inserted through rings on its sides (Exodus 25:12-15; Numbers 4:15). Uzzah's action, though seemingly well-intentioned, violated the divine instructions regarding the handling of the Ark.

This incident underscores the importance of reverence and obedience to God's commands. It highlights the principle that good intentions do not excuse disobedience to God's explicit instructions. The holiness of God demands respect and adherence to His established order, as seen in the severe consequence faced by Uzzah.

David's Reaction:

King David's reaction to Uzzah's death was one of anger and fear. 2 Samuel 6:8-9 states, "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. That day David feared the LORD and asked, 'How can the ark of the LORD ever come to me?'" David's response reflects a deep realization of the seriousness of approaching God and His holy objects with the proper reverence and obedience.

Lessons and Reflections:

The account of Uzzah serves as a sobering lesson on the nature of God's holiness and the necessity of approaching Him with the utmost respect and adherence to His commands. It calls believers to examine their own lives and practices, ensuring that their worship and service align with God's revealed will. The account of Uzzah is a powerful reminder that God's ways are to be followed precisely, and His holiness is not to be taken lightly.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 6:7
And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Note.
... Subsequently we read of Saul, Uzzah, and Uzziah being punished for usurpation ... In
the fourteenth century, such judgments, especially those proceeding from the ...
/.../ryle/the upper room being a few truths for the times/note 2.htm

Importance of Small Things in Religion
... So that the death of Uzzah was the punishment upon the whole people for ... this know,
that the slightest violation of the divine law will bring judgments upon the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/importance of small things in.htm

Accidents, not Punishments
... fled, and do you not see that if accidents are to be viewed as judgments, then it ...
persons who tremble for the ark of God, and would touch it with Uzzah's hand. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/accidents not punishments.htm

Acts iv. 36, 37
... So true is that saying, "The Lord is known by executing judgments." (Psalm 9:16.)
The same thing had occurred in the case of the Ark: Uzzah was punished and ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xii acts iv 36.htm

Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians.
... Providence, instanced in mercies upon some, and judgments upon others, [496]90;
implied in the circumstances of men, [497]139; in the order of ... Uzzah, [619]7. ...
/.../homilies on galatians and ephesians.htm

The Real Presence, the Great Want of the Church
... Judgments are begun in the house of God and are always going on there. ... and some who
have arrogantly touched God's ark, and the doom of Uzzah has befallen them. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the real presence the great.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... 4. The judgments that sometimes God hath executed upon men for their want of ... the
sword of the uncircumcised Philistines (see 1 Samuel 2). (3.) Uzzah was smitten ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

"My Times are in Thy Hand"
... Remember what the hand of Uzzah brought on him, though he meant it well. ...
Fear not the judgments of men. Appeal to a higher court. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/my times are in thy.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... And since all God's judgments are just, and all fit to be executed, and all at length ...
seems to be partly in the right, when he observes here that Uzzah was no ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

Letter xxii. To Eustochium.
... Uzzah, when he touched the ark which it was not lawful to touch, was struck ... I should
be exalted above measure." [586] Rejoice in all God's judgments; for does ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxii to eustochium.htm