Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Uzza, also spelled Uzzah, is a biblical figure known for his role in the transportation of the Ark of the Covenant during the reign of King David. His account is primarily found in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles 13. Uzza's actions and subsequent death serve as a significant theological lesson on the holiness of God and the importance of obedience to divine instructions. Biblical Account: The narrative of Uzza is set during a pivotal moment in Israel's history when King David sought to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The Ark, representing God's presence among His people, had been residing in the house of Abinadab in Kiriath-jearim for many years. David, with great enthusiasm, organized a grand procession to transport the Ark to the City of David. In 2 Samuel 6:3-7 , the account describes how the Ark was placed on a new cart, driven by Uzza and his brother Ahio, sons of Abinadab. As the procession moved forward with music and celebration, the oxen stumbled at the threshing floor of Nacon. Uzza reached out to steady the Ark, and the Lord's anger burned against him for his irreverent act. God struck him down, and he died there beside the Ark. 1 Chronicles 13:9-10 provides a parallel account, emphasizing the same sequence of events and highlighting the severity of Uzza's action. The incident caused David to fear the Lord and reconsider the manner in which the Ark was being transported. Theological Significance: Uzza's death underscores the holiness and sanctity of the Ark of the Covenant. According to the Mosaic Law, the Ark was to be carried by the Levites using poles inserted through rings on its sides (Exodus 25:14-15). By placing the Ark on a cart, David and his men deviated from God's prescribed method of transportation, which ultimately led to the tragic incident. Uzza's attempt to steady the Ark, though seemingly well-intentioned, was an act of irreverence. It demonstrated a lack of understanding of the Ark's sacredness and the divine instructions associated with it. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of approaching God with reverence and adhering to His commands. Cultural and Historical Context: The Ark of the Covenant was central to Israelite worship and symbolized God's covenant with His people. It contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. The Ark was kept in the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, signifying God's dwelling among His people. The transportation of the Ark to Jerusalem marked a significant moment in consolidating David's rule and establishing Jerusalem as the religious and political center of Israel. The incident with Uzza highlighted the need for proper reverence and adherence to God's laws, even amidst national celebration and religious fervor. Lessons and Reflections: The account of Uzza serves as a sobering reminder of the holiness of God and the necessity of obedience to His commands. It challenges believers to approach God with reverence and to respect the sacredness of His instructions. The incident also illustrates the potential consequences of disregarding divine order, even with good intentions. David's subsequent actions, as he later successfully brought the Ark to Jerusalem with great care and adherence to God's instructions (1 Chronicles 15:11-15), demonstrate the importance of learning from past mistakes and aligning one's actions with God's will. Smith's Bible Dictionary Uzza or Uzzah(strength), one of the sons of Abinadab, in whose house at Kirjath-jearim the ark rested for twenty years. Uzzah probably was the second and Ahio the third. They both accompanied its removal when David first undertook to carry it to Jerusalem. (B.C. 1043.) Ahio apparently went before the new cart, (1 Chronicles 13:7) on which it was placed, and Uzzah walked by the side. "At the threshing-floor of Nachon" (2 Samuel 6:6) or Chidon (1 Chronicles 13:9) perhaps slipping over the smooth rock oxen stumbled. Uzzah caught the ark to prevent its falling. The profanation was punished by his instant death to the great grief of David, who named the place Perez-uzzah (the breaking-forth on Uzzah). But Uzzah's fate was not merely the penalty of his own rashness. The improper mode of transporting the ark, which ought to have been borne on the shoulders of the Levites was the primary cause of his unholy deed; and David distinctly recognized it as a punishment on the people in general "because we sought him not after the due order." Strong's Hebrew 5798. Uzza -- four IsraelitesUzza or Uzzah. 5797, 5798. Uzza or Uzzah. 5799 . four Israelites. Transliteration: Uzza or Uzzah Phonetic Spelling: (ooz-zaw') Short Definition: Uzza. ... /hebrew/5798.htm - 6k 6560. Perets Uzzah -- a place near Jer. Resources What is the ark of the testimony? | GotQuestions.orgWho was David in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Obed in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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