Introduction:
Perez-Uzza, also known as "Perez-Uzzah," is a significant location mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is the site where God struck down Uzzah for his irreverent act during the transportation of the Ark of the Covenant. This event is recorded in 2 Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles 13, and it serves as a poignant reminder of the holiness of God and the importance of obedience to His commands.

Biblical Account:
The incident at Perez-Uzza occurs during King David's reign when he sought to bring the Ark of the Covenant from the house of Abinadab in Kiriath-jearim to Jerusalem. The Ark, which symbolized God's presence among His people, was placed on a new cart driven by Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab.

As the procession moved, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark. The Bible records in 2 Samuel 6:7 , "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." This sudden and severe judgment underscores the sanctity of the Ark and the necessity of adhering to God's instructions regarding its handling.

Name Significance:
The name "Perez-Uzza" translates to "Outburst Against Uzzah" or "Breach of Uzzah," reflecting the divine judgment that occurred at this location. The event left a profound impact on David, who named the place to commemorate the breach made by God against Uzzah.

Theological Implications:
The incident at Perez-Uzza highlights several key theological themes:

1. Holiness of God: The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred object, representing God's holy presence. The incident serves as a stark reminder of God's holiness and the reverence required in approaching Him.

2. Obedience to Divine Commands: The transportation of the Ark was to be conducted according to specific instructions given by God, as outlined in the Law of Moses. The Levites were to carry the Ark using poles, not on a cart (Exodus 25:14-15; Numbers 4:15). Uzzah's action, though seemingly well-intentioned, violated these divine instructions.

3. Fear of the Lord: The event instilled a renewed sense of the fear of the Lord among the Israelites. David himself was initially afraid to bring the Ark into Jerusalem, as noted in 2 Samuel 6:9 : "So David was afraid of the LORD that day, and he said, 'How can the ark of the LORD ever come to me?'"

Historical and Cultural Context:
The Ark of the Covenant was central to Israelite worship and identity. It contained the tablets of the Law, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna, symbolizing God's covenant with Israel. The reverence and care required in handling the Ark were deeply rooted in the cultural and religious practices of the Israelites.

Aftermath:
Following the incident, the Ark was temporarily housed in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite, where it remained for three months. During this time, the household of Obed-edom was blessed by the Lord, prompting David to eventually bring the Ark to Jerusalem with great celebration and proper reverence (2 Samuel 6:11-15).

Conclusion:
Perez-Uzza stands as a solemn testament to the necessity of honoring God's holiness and adhering to His commands. The event serves as a powerful reminder of the reverence due to God and the serious consequences of disregarding His instructions.2 Samuel 6:8
And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach on Uzzah: and he called the name of the place Perezuzzah to this day.
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1 Chronicles 13:11
And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach on Uzza: why that place is called Perezuzza to this day.
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