1 Chronicles 13:10

And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and He struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God.

Study Bible

Then the anger of the LORD burned
The phrase "anger of the LORD" in Hebrew is "אַף יְהוָה" (aph YHWH), which conveys a deep, righteous indignation. In the context of the Old Testament, God's anger is not capricious but is a response to disobedience and irreverence. The burning of His anger signifies the intensity and purity of His holiness. This moment serves as a reminder of the seriousness with which God views His commands and the reverence due to His presence.

against Uzzah
Uzzah, whose name means "strength," was a Levite involved in transporting the Ark of the Covenant. His role was significant, yet his actions led to a tragic outcome. This highlights the importance of obedience to God's specific instructions, especially concerning sacred objects. Uzzah's account is a cautionary tale about the dangers of presumption and the need for humility before God.

and He struck him down
The Hebrew verb used here is "נָכָה" (nakah), meaning to strike or smite. This action by God was immediate and decisive, underscoring the seriousness of the transgression. It serves as a sobering reminder of God's justice and the consequences of failing to honor His holiness. The act of striking down Uzzah was not arbitrary but a fulfillment of divine law regarding the sanctity of the Ark.

because he had put his hand on the ark
The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in Israel, representing God's presence among His people. According to Numbers 4:15, only the Kohathites, a specific family of Levites, were permitted to carry the Ark, and even they were not to touch it directly. Uzzah's act of touching the Ark, though perhaps well-intentioned, was a direct violation of God's command. This incident teaches the importance of adhering to God's instructions and the reverence required in His service.

so he died there before God
The phrase "before God" emphasizes the immediacy and divine witness of Uzzah's death. It was not merely a physical death but a spiritual lesson for the entire nation of Israel. This event took place in the presence of God, highlighting the seriousness of the offense and the holiness of God. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need for reverence and obedience in our relationship with the Divine.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Uzzah
A man who was struck down by God for touching the Ark of the Covenant. His action, though seemingly well-intentioned, violated the sacredness of the Ark.

2. The Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence and covenant with Israel. It was to be handled with utmost reverence and according to specific divine instructions.

3. David
The King of Israel who organized the transport of the Ark to Jerusalem. His desire was to bring the Ark to the city, but the method of transport was not in accordance with God's law.

4. The Anger of the LORD
This event highlights God's holiness and the seriousness of His commands. The anger of the LORD is a response to disobedience and irreverence.

5. Perez Uzzah
The place where Uzzah was struck down, named to commemorate the event. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of not following God's instructions.

Teaching Points

Reverence for God's Holiness
God's holiness demands our utmost respect and obedience. We must approach Him with reverence, understanding the seriousness of His commands.

Obedience to God's Instructions
God's instructions are not arbitrary; they are given for our good and His glory. We must strive to understand and follow His Word diligently.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Disobedience, even with good intentions, can lead to severe consequences. We must be careful to align our actions with God's will.

The Importance of Proper Worship
Worship must be conducted in a manner that honors God. This includes following His guidelines and maintaining a heart of humility and reverence.

Learning from Biblical Examples
The account of Uzzah serves as a cautionary tale. We should learn from such examples to avoid similar mistakes in our spiritual journey.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the incident with Uzzah teach us about the nature of God's holiness and our approach to Him?

2. How can we ensure that our worship and service to God align with His instructions, as outlined in Scripture?

3. In what ways might we, like Uzzah, act with good intentions but still fall short of God's standards? How can we guard against this?

4. How does the account of Uzzah challenge us to examine our own obedience to God's Word in our daily lives?

5. What other biblical examples can you think of where disobedience led to severe consequences, and what lessons can we draw from them?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25:14-15
These verses provide the original instructions for carrying the Ark, emphasizing the use of poles and the role of the Levites. Uzzah's death underscores the importance of adhering to these divine instructions.

2 Samuel 6:6-7
This parallel account of Uzzah's death provides additional context and highlights the same event, reinforcing the lesson of reverence and obedience to God's commands.

Numbers 4:15
This passage outlines the duties of the Kohathites, who were responsible for carrying the Ark. It explicitly states that touching the holy objects would result in death, which directly relates to Uzzah's fate.