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.

Study Bible

And 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 sin and disobedience. The burning anger signifies the intensity of God's holiness and justice. It serves as a reminder that God is not to be approached lightly or with presumption. This moment underscores the seriousness with which God views His commands and the reverence due to Him.

against Uzzah
Uzzah, whose name means "strength," was a Levite, and his role was to assist in the transportation of the Ark of the Covenant. His actions, though seemingly well-intentioned, violated the specific instructions given by God regarding the handling of the Ark. This highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, regardless of human reasoning or intent. Uzzah's account is a sobering reminder that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His instructions are to be followed precisely.

and God struck him down there
The Hebrew word for "struck" is "נָכָה" (nakah), which means to smite or kill. This action by God was immediate and decisive, illustrating the seriousness of Uzzah's irreverence. It serves as a powerful lesson on the holiness of God and the consequences of approaching Him without the proper respect and obedience. The immediacy of God's judgment emphasizes that His holiness cannot be compromised.

for his irreverence
The term "irreverence" in this context refers to a lack of respect or proper fear of God. Uzzah's act of touching the Ark, which was strictly forbidden, demonstrated a failure to honor the sacredness of God's presence. This incident teaches that reverence for God is not merely about external actions but is a matter of the heart. It calls believers to examine their own attitudes and actions in their approach to worship and service to God.

and he died there
The death of Uzzah was not just a physical end but a spiritual lesson for the people of Israel. It served as a stark warning about the consequences of disobedience and irreverence. This event would have been a sobering reminder to the Israelites of the need to uphold the sanctity of God's commands and the seriousness of His presence among them.

by the ark of God
The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in Israel, representing the very presence of God among His people. It was a symbol of God's covenant, His law, and His mercy seat. The fact that Uzzah died by the Ark underscores the holiness associated with it and the need for the Israelites to approach it with the utmost reverence and obedience. This incident reinforces the idea that God's presence is both a source of blessing and a call to holiness.

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, was considered irreverent.

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 being transported to Jerusalem.

3. David
The King of Israel who organized the transport of the Ark to Jerusalem. His initial failure to follow God's instructions led to Uzzah's death.

4. The LORD
The God of Israel, whose holiness and commands were not to be taken lightly. His anger was kindled by the irreverence shown towards the Ark.

5. Perez Uzzah
The place where Uzzah was struck down, named to commemorate the event. It means "Outburst against Uzzah."

Teaching Points

Reverence for God's Holiness
God's holiness demands respect and obedience. Uzzah's death serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness with which we must approach God and His commands.

Obedience to God's Instructions
The incident underscores the importance of adhering to God's specific instructions. Even well-intentioned actions can lead to dire consequences if they deviate from God's commands.

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

Learning from Mistakes
David's response to Uzzah's death was to seek God's guidance and correct his approach. We should learn from our mistakes and seek to align our actions with God's will.

God's Presence and Our Response
The Ark symbolized God's presence. Our response to God's presence should be one of awe, worship, and careful adherence to His ways.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Uzzah's action and its consequence teach us about the nature of God's holiness?

2. How can we ensure that our actions, even when well-intentioned, align with God's instructions?

3. In what ways can we cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord in our daily lives?

4. How does David's response to Uzzah's death inform our approach to correcting mistakes and seeking God's guidance?

5. What are some practical ways we can show reverence for God's presence in our worship and daily living?

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 prohibition against touching it directly.

Leviticus 10:1-2
The account of Nadab and Abihu, who were also struck down for offering unauthorized fire, highlights the importance of reverence and obedience to God's commands.

1 Chronicles 13:9-10
This parallel account of Uzzah's death provides additional context and emphasizes the importance of following God's specific instructions.