2 Samuel 6:8

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 denote a burning or kindling of anger. This phrase highlights a moment of intense emotional response from David, a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). His anger may reflect a complex mix of emotions, including confusion, fear, and frustration. David's reaction is a reminder of the human struggle to reconcile God's holiness with His actions, especially when they defy human expectations.

because the LORD had burst forth
The phrase "burst forth" is translated from the Hebrew "parats," which means to break out or break through. This word is significant as it conveys the sudden and powerful nature of God's action. It echoes the earlier event in 2 Samuel 5:20, where God "burst through" David's enemies. Here, however, it is a divine judgment rather than a victory, underscoring God's holiness and the seriousness of approaching Him with reverence.

against Uzzah
Uzzah's name means "strength," and his action of touching the Ark of the Covenant, though seemingly well-intentioned, violated God's command regarding the handling of the Ark (Numbers 4:15). This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of obedience to God's instructions and the reverence due to His holy presence. It highlights the tension between human initiative and divine command.

so he named that place Perez-uzzah
The name "Perez-uzzah" means "outbreak against Uzzah." Naming the place serves as a memorial to the event, ensuring that future generations remember the holiness of God and the consequences of disobedience. It reflects a common biblical practice of naming locations to commemorate significant divine encounters or actions, thus embedding spiritual lessons into the geography of Israel.

as it is called to this day
This phrase indicates the lasting impact of the event on the collective memory of Israel. It suggests that the lessons learned from Uzzah's death were intended to endure, serving as a perpetual reminder of God's holiness and the need for reverence in worship. The phrase also underscores the historical reliability of the biblical narrative, as it points to a continuity of tradition and memory within the community of faith.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who is leading the procession to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem.

2. Uzzah
A man who touched the Ark of the Covenant to steady it and was struck down by God for his irreverence.

3. The LORD
The God of Israel, who enacts judgment upon Uzzah for his actions.

4. Perez-uzzah
The place named by David, meaning "outburst against Uzzah," marking the event where God struck Uzzah.

5. The Ark of the Covenant
The sacred chest representing God's presence, being transported to Jerusalem.

Teaching Points

Reverence for God's Holiness
The incident with Uzzah underscores the importance of approaching God with reverence and respect for His holiness. It serves as a reminder that God's instructions are to be followed precisely.

Obedience to God's Commands
The event highlights the necessity of adhering to God's commands, as outlined in Scripture. Disobedience, even with good intentions, can lead to severe consequences.

Understanding God's Justice
David's anger and fear reflect a human response to divine justice. This passage invites believers to grapple with the nature of God's justice and the importance of aligning our understanding with His character.

The Role of Leadership
As a leader, David's reaction and subsequent actions demonstrate the responsibility of leaders to ensure that God's commands are followed and to respond appropriately to God's discipline.

Naming and Remembering
Naming the place Perez-uzzah serves as a memorial of God's actions. It is important for believers to remember and learn from past events to grow in their faith and understanding.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the event at Perez-uzzah challenge our understanding of God's holiness and justice?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are approaching God with the reverence He deserves in our daily lives?

3. How does the account of Uzzah relate to other biblical accounts of God's judgment, such as Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10?

4. What lessons can we learn from David's response to God's actions, and how can we apply these lessons to our leadership roles today?

5. How can we create "memorials" in our own lives to remember and learn from God's actions and teachings?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Chronicles 13:9-11
This passage provides a parallel account of the event, offering additional context and details about the incident with Uzzah.

Exodus 25:14-15
These verses outline the specific instructions given by God regarding how the Ark should be carried, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands.

Leviticus 10:1-3
The account of Nadab and Abihu, who were also struck down for offering unauthorized fire, highlighting the seriousness of approaching God with reverence and obedience.

Psalm 30:5
This verse speaks to the nature of God's anger and favor, providing insight into the balance of God's justice and mercy.