1 Chronicles 13:11

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
The Hebrew word for "angry" here is "charah," which can mean to burn or be kindled with anger. This phrase indicates a deep emotional response from David, reflecting his human nature and the complexity of his relationship with God. David's anger may stem from confusion or frustration over the death of Uzzah, highlighting the tension between divine holiness and human understanding. This moment serves as a reminder of the importance of approaching God with reverence and obedience.

because the LORD had burst forth
The phrase "burst forth" is translated from the Hebrew "parats," which means to break out or breach. This word choice emphasizes the sudden and powerful nature of God's action. It serves as a stark reminder of God's holiness and the seriousness of His commandments. The breach against Uzzah underscores the necessity of following God's instructions precisely, especially concerning sacred matters like the Ark of the Covenant.

against Uzzah
Uzzah's name means "strength," which is ironic given the circumstances of his death. His attempt to steady the Ark, though seemingly well-intentioned, was a violation of God's command that only Levites were to handle the Ark. This incident illustrates the principle that good intentions do not justify disobedience to God's explicit instructions. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of knowing and adhering to God's Word.

so he named that place Perez-uzzah
"Perez-uzzah" translates to "outbreak against Uzzah." Naming the place serves as a memorial to the event, ensuring that future generations remember the consequences of disobedience. In biblical times, naming places after significant events was a common practice to preserve history and teach lessons. This name serves as a perpetual reminder of God's holiness and the need for reverence in worship.

as it is called to this day
This phrase indicates the lasting impact of the event. The continued use of the name "Perez-uzzah" suggests that the lesson learned from Uzzah's death was significant and enduring. It highlights the importance of remembering and learning from past events to guide future actions. This enduring name serves as a testament to the seriousness with which God's commands must be taken and the lasting nature of His decrees.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel who sought to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. His reaction to the incident with Uzzah reflects his complex relationship with God and his leadership challenges.

2. Uzzah
A man who touched the Ark of the Covenant to steady it and was struck down by God. His death serves as a sobering reminder of the holiness of God and the importance of obedience.

3. The Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence with His people. Its transportation was a significant event for Israel.

4. Perez-uzzah
The place named by David, meaning "outburst against Uzzah," marking the site of God's judgment and a turning point in the account.

5. The LORD
The God of Israel, whose holiness and justice are central to the events of this passage. His actions demonstrate the seriousness of His commands.

Teaching Points

The Holiness of God
God's holiness demands reverence and obedience. The incident with Uzzah serves as a powerful reminder that God's instructions are not to be taken lightly.

The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God's commands is crucial. David's failure to transport the Ark according to God's instructions led to tragic consequences, teaching us the importance of aligning our actions with God's will.

Righteous Anger and Reflection
David's anger and subsequent naming of the place reflect a human response to divine actions. It is important to process our emotions in light of God's character and seek understanding through His Word.

Learning from Mistakes
The incident encourages believers to learn from past mistakes and seek God's guidance in correcting their paths. David later successfully brings the Ark to Jerusalem by following God's instructions.

The Fear of the Lord
A healthy fear of the Lord is foundational to wisdom and understanding. Recognizing God's power and holiness should lead us to live in awe and submission to Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the incident with Uzzah challenge our understanding of God's holiness and justice?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our actions align with God's instructions, as seen in the transportation of the Ark?

3. How can we process feelings of anger or confusion when God's actions or commands seem difficult to understand?

4. What lessons can we learn from David's response to the incident, and how can we apply them to our leadership or personal lives?

5. How does the fear of the Lord influence our daily decisions and relationship with God, and what steps can we take to cultivate a deeper reverence for Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Samuel 6:6-8
This parallel account provides additional context and details about the incident with Uzzah, highlighting the same themes of God's holiness and the consequences of disobedience.

Exodus 25:14-15
These verses outline the specific instructions for carrying the Ark, emphasizing the importance of following God's commands precisely.

Leviticus 10:1-3
The account of Nadab and Abihu, who were also struck down for offering unauthorized fire, parallels the theme of God's holiness and the consequences of disregarding His instructions.