Perez-Uzzah
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Definition and Meaning:
Perez-uzzah, meaning "Outburst against Uzzah" or "Breach of Uzzah," is a significant location in the biblical narrative, specifically in the context of King David's attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The name commemorates a divine judgment that occurred when Uzzah, a Levite, was struck dead by God for touching the Ark.

Biblical References:
The primary account of Perez-uzzah is found in 2 Samuel 6:6-8 and 1 Chronicles 13:9-11. In these passages, the Ark of the Covenant was being transported from the house of Abinadab to Jerusalem. As the procession reached the threshing floor of Nacon (or Kidon in 1 Chronicles), the oxen pulling the cart stumbled. Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark, and God's anger was kindled against him for his irreverence, resulting in his immediate death.

2 Samuel 6:7 states: "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."

Historical and Theological Context:
The incident at Perez-uzzah underscores the holiness of God and the sacredness of the Ark, which represented God's presence among His people. The Ark was to be handled with utmost reverence, according to specific instructions given in the Law of Moses. The Levites were charged with its care, and it was to be carried on poles, not a cart, as outlined in Numbers 4:15 and Exodus 25:14.

David's initial failure to transport the Ark according to divine instructions highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands. The event at Perez-uzzah served as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disregarding God's holiness.

Location:
The exact geographical location of Perez-uzzah is not definitively known, but it is believed to be near the threshing floor of Nacon, on the route from Kiriath-jearim to Jerusalem. The incident prompted David to temporarily halt the transport of the Ark, leaving it at the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.

Significance in David's Reign:
The event at Perez-uzzah had a profound impact on King David. Initially, David was angry and afraid of the LORD's wrath, as noted in 2 Samuel 6:8-9. However, it led to a deeper understanding of the need for reverence and proper worship. David later successfully brought the Ark to Jerusalem with great celebration, ensuring it was carried by the Levites as prescribed by the Law (1 Chronicles 15:2, 13-15).

Lessons and Themes:
Perez-uzzah serves as a powerful lesson on the holiness of God and the necessity of approaching Him with reverence and obedience. It illustrates the seriousness of God's commands and the importance of following His instructions precisely. The incident also reflects the broader biblical theme of God's presence and the proper way to honor and worship Him.
ATS Bible Dictionary
Perez-Uzzah

2 Samuel 6:8. See UZZAH.

Easton's Bible Dictionary
The breach of Uzzah, a place where God "burst forth upon Uzzah, so that he died," when he rashly "took hold" of the ark (2 Samuel 6:6-8). It was not far from Kirjath-jearim (q.v.).
Strong's Hebrew
6560. Perets Uzzah -- a place near Jer.
... uzza. Word Origin from Perets and Uzza Definition a place near Jer. NASB
Word Usage Perez-uzza (1), Perez-uzzah (1). Perez-uzza. From ...
/hebrew/6560.htm - 6k
Library

Death and Life from the Ark
... he died by the ark of God.8. And David was displeased, because the Lord had made
a breach upon Uzzah: and he called the name of the place Perez-uzzah to this ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/death and life from the.htm

Thesaurus
Perezuzzah (1 Occurrence)
... Kirjath-jearim (qv). Multi-Version Concordance Perezuzzah (1 Occurrence).
2 Samuel 6:8 And David was displeased, because the LORD ...
/p/perezuzzah.htm - 7k

Perez-uzzah (1 Occurrence)
Perez-uzzah. Perezuzzah, Perez-uzzah. Pe'rez-uz'zah . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
Perezuzzah, Perez-uzzah. Pe'rez-uz'zah . Reference Bible.
/p/perez-uzzah.htm - 7k

Pe'rez-uz'zah (1 Occurrence)
Pe'rez-uz'zah. Perez-uzzah, Pe'rez-uz'zah. Perfect . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See RSV). Perez-uzzah, Pe'rez-uz'zah. Perfect . Reference Bible.
/p/pe'rez-uz'zah.htm - 6k

Uzzah (10 Occurrences)
... immediately smitten unto death. The place where this occurred was henceforth
called Perez-uzzah (1 Chronicles 13:11). David on this ...
/u/uzzah.htm - 13k

Nacon (1 Occurrence)
... the King James Version Nachon): The place where Uzzah was smitten for putting forth
his hand to steady the ark, hence, called afterward "Perezuzzah" (2 Samuel 6 ...
/n/nacon.htm - 7k

Outburst (8 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 6:8 And David was angry because of the Lord's outburst of wrath against
Uzzah: and he gave that place the name Perez-uzzah, which is its name to this ...
/o/outburst.htm - 8k

Indignant (22 Occurrences)
... (DBY RSV). 2 Samuel 6:8 And David was indignant, because Jehovah had made a breach
upon Uzzah; and he called that place Perez-Uzzah to this day. (DBY). ...
/i/indignant.htm - 12k

Floor (69 Occurrences)
... the King James Version Nachon): The place where Uzzah was smitten for putting forth
his hand to steady the ark, hence, called afterward "Perezuzzah" (2 Samuel 6 ...
/f/floor.htm - 32k

Threshing (57 Occurrences)
... the King James Version Nachon): The place where Uzzah was smitten for putting forth
his hand to steady the ark, hence, called afterward "Perezuzzah" (2 Samuel 6 ...
/t/threshing.htm - 28k

Displeased (39 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 6:8 David was displeased, because Yahweh had broken forth on Uzzah; and
he called that place PerezUzzah, to this day. (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS). ...
/d/displeased.htm - 17k

Resources
Why did God strike Uzzah dead for touching the Ark of the Covenant? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Obed-Edom in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of a scarlet thread? | GotQuestions.org

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Concordance
Perez-uzzah (1 Occurrence)

2 Samuel 6:8
And David was displeased, because Jehovah had broken forth upon Uzzah; and he called that place Perez-uzzah, unto this day.
(See JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS)

Subtopics

Perez-Uzzah

Related Terms

Perez-uzzah (1 Occurrence)

Perfect (205 Occurrences)

Perezuzzah
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