1 Chronicles 13:10

KJV

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the anger {H639} of the LORD {H3068} was kindled {H2734} against Uzza {H5798}, and he smote {H5221} him, because he put {H7971} his hand {H3027} to the ark {H727}: and there he died {H4191} before {H6440} God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But ADONAI's anger blazed up against 'Uza, and he struck him down, because he had put out his hand and touched the ark, so that he died there before God.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And the anger of Jehovah was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put forth his hand to the ark; and there he died before God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 13:10 records the tragic and immediate judgment of Uzza by God during King David's initial attempt to transport the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This pivotal moment underscores the absolute holiness of God, the inviolability of His divine commands concerning sacred things, and the severe consequences of approaching Him in a manner contrary to His revealed will, even when intentions might appear benign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the narrative of King David's early reign in Jerusalem, specifically his passionate but flawed endeavor to bring the Ark of the Covenant, which had been at Kiriath-Jearim for decades, into the capital city. The preceding verses (1 Chronicles 13:1-9) describe the enthusiastic preparations, the gathering of all Israel, and the joyous procession with music and dancing. The Ark was placed on a new cart, drawn by oxen, with Uzza and Ahio guiding it. The immediate context of verse 10 is the oxen stumbling at the threshing floor of Chidon, prompting Uzza's fatal intervention. The subsequent verses (1 Chronicles 13:11-14) detail David's immediate anger and fear, leading him to abandon the Ark at the house of Obed-Edom, where it brought blessing. This event serves as a stark interruption to the celebration, highlighting a critical lesson about God's nature that David needed to learn before successfully bringing the Ark to Jerusalem in a later, more obedient attempt (as recorded in [1 Chronicles 15](/1_chronicles/15 "1 Chronicles 15 - The Ark Brought to Jerusalem")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in ancient Israel, representing God's throne, His presence among His people, and the very covenant He made with them. Its design and handling were meticulously prescribed in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Exodus 25:10-22](/exodus/25-10 "Exodus 25:10-22 - Instructions for the Ark")). Specifically, only Levites from the family of Kohath were permitted to carry the Ark, and only by means of poles inserted into rings, never by direct touch (as detailed in [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Kohathites and the Ark")). The method David chose—placing the Ark on a new cart—was a departure from these divine instructions, perhaps influenced by the Philistines' method of returning the Ark (as seen in [1 Samuel 6:7-8](/1_samuel/6-7 "1 Samuel 6:7-8 - The Philistines Return the Ark")). This cultural borrowing, while seemingly practical, disregarded the specific divine protocols that underscored the Ark's unique sanctity and God's unapproachable holiness.
* **Key Themes:** The incident of Uzza's death powerfully underscores several key themes. First, it highlights the **absolute holiness and transcendence of God**, demonstrating that His presence is not to be treated casually or according to human convenience, but with profound reverence and strict adherence to His commands. Second, it emphasizes the **critical importance of obedience to divine law**, even when intentions seem good. Uzza's act, though perhaps an attempt to protect the Ark, was a direct violation of God's explicit instructions, revealing that God values obedience over human ingenuity or well-meaning but unauthorized actions (a theme echoed in [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice")). Third, the event serves as a stark reminder of **divine judgment and its immediate, sobering consequences** when God's holiness is disregarded. It instilled a necessary fear and awe in David and the people, leading to a deeper understanding of how to properly approach the Almighty, which ultimately paved the way for a more reverent and successful transfer of the Ark (as depicted in [2 Samuel 6](/2_samuel/6 "2 Samuel 6 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kindled (Hebrew, _charah'_):** This verb describes a burning, intense heat or anger. When applied to God's anger, it signifies a fierce, righteous indignation that is not capricious but arises from a violation of His holy character and established order. It indicates a profound displeasure that necessitates a response.
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nakah'_):** This verb means to strike, hit, or inflict a blow, often with fatal consequences. In this context, it denotes a direct, immediate, and decisive act of divine judgment, resulting in Uzza's death. It emphasizes the directness and severity of God's intervention.
* **Put his hand (Hebrew, _shalach yad'_):** This phrase describes the action of extending or reaching out one's hand. In the context of the Ark, it signifies an unauthorized, presumptuous, and forbidden touch. The Mosaic Law explicitly prohibited direct contact with the Ark by anyone other than the Kohathite Levites, and even then, only by the poles (Numbers 4:15). Uzza's action, therefore, was a direct transgression of a clear divine boundary.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza":** This clause immediately establishes the divine source and nature of the ensuing judgment. God's anger is not a human emotion of uncontrolled rage, but a holy, righteous response to sin and disobedience. It was "kindled" because a sacred boundary, established by God Himself, had been violated.
* **"and he smote him":** This is the direct consequence of God's kindled anger. The pronoun "he" refers to the LORD, indicating a direct, supernatural act of judgment. The "smiting" was fatal and immediate, demonstrating the swiftness and certainty of divine retribution for such a profound transgression.
* **"because he put his hand to the ark":** This phrase provides the specific reason for God's judgment. Uzza's act of touching the Ark, even if intended to prevent it from falling, was a direct violation of God's clear command (Numbers 4:15). It represented a casual disregard for the Ark's sanctity and, by extension, God's holiness.
* **"and there he died before God":** This final clause emphasizes the immediate and public nature of Uzza's death. He died "before God," signifying that his demise was a direct divine act, witnessed by the assembled multitude, and serving as a stark object lesson about the gravity of disrespecting God's holy presence and commands.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Uzza's death employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is evident in Uzza's attempt to "save" the Ark, which results in his own destruction; his well-intentioned but disobedient act leads to the very opposite of preservation for himself. The suddenness of the judgment creates dramatic **tension** and a profound sense of **awe** (or terror) among the onlookers, including King David, highlighting the unpredictable and sovereign nature of divine holiness. The Ark itself functions as a potent **symbol** of God's presence, and its sacredness is underscored by the severe consequences of its mishandling, reinforcing the theme of divine transcendence. Furthermore, the entire episode serves as a **narrative contrast** to the initial joyous celebration, abruptly shifting the mood from festivity to solemnity and fear, thereby emphasizing the gravity of the spiritual principles at stake.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The tragic account of Uzza's death serves as a profound theological lesson, primarily emphasizing the absolute and unapproachable holiness of God. It teaches that God's sacredness is not to be trifled with, and His commands, especially concerning His presence and worship, are not arbitrary suggestions but divine decrees that must be meticulously obeyed. This event highlights that good intentions do not supersede divine law, and a casual or presumptuous approach to the Almighty can have devastating consequences. It underscores the Old Testament principle that God is both merciful and just, demanding reverence and purity from those who would approach Him.

* [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - The Kohathites and the Ark")
* [Leviticus 10:1-3](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-3 - Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Fire")
* [Hebrews 12:28-29](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28-29 - Worship God with Reverence and Awe")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical Ark of the Covenant no longer exists, the principles illuminated by Uzza's death remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This passage calls us to a deep and abiding reverence for God, reminding us that He is holy and must be approached on His terms, not ours. It challenges any tendency towards casualness or presumption in our worship, service, or personal relationship with Him. We are invited to consider whether our spiritual practices are truly aligned with God's revealed will or if we are relying on human ingenuity or good intentions alone. The incident of Uzza compels us to examine our hearts for any areas where we might be taking God's holiness for granted, urging us to cultivate a spirit of humility, obedience, and awe in all aspects of our faith journey.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Uzza's story challenge my understanding of God's holiness and my approach to Him in worship and daily life?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "steady the ark" in my own spiritual walk, relying on my own efforts or intentions rather than God's prescribed ways?**
* **What specific areas of my life or service need to be brought into greater alignment with God's revealed will, even if my intentions are good?**
* **How does the fear of the Lord, as demonstrated in this passage, contribute to a healthy and reverent relationship with Him?**

### FAQ
**Why was Uzza punished so severely for what seemed like a good intention?**

Answer: Uzza's punishment, though seemingly harsh, was not merely for a "good intention" but for a direct violation of God's explicit commands regarding the handling of the Ark of the Covenant. The Law, given in [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Kohathites and the Ark"), strictly forbade anyone, even Levites, from touching the Ark itself; it was to be carried by poles. Placing the Ark on a cart was already a disobedience (as seen in [1 Samuel 6:7](/1_samuel/6-7 "1 Samuel 6:7 - The Philistines' Cart")), but Uzza's direct touch was a breach of the most sacred boundary. God's holiness is absolute, and the Ark symbolized His very presence. To treat it casually or presumptuously, even with a seemingly protective motive, was to disregard God's character and authority. This severe judgment served as a powerful lesson for all Israel, including King David, about the gravity of God's holiness and the necessity of strict obedience in approaching Him. It prevented a casual attitude towards sacred things that could have led to greater spiritual decay.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Uzza's death underscores the terrifying holiness of God under the Old Covenant, it simultaneously foreshadows the profound grace and perfect access offered through Jesus Christ. The Ark, representing God's dwelling among His people, was veiled and guarded by strict laws, signifying humanity's inability to approach a holy God due to sin. Uzza's demise highlights the unbridgeable chasm between a sinful humanity and a perfectly holy God, a chasm that the Law could only expose, not bridge. However, in Christ, this chasm is gloriously overcome. Jesus is the ultimate "Ark," the true dwelling place of God among humanity, for in Him "all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). He is our great High Priest who, unlike the Old Testament priests, offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, opening a new and living way into the very presence of God (as described in [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). Through faith in Him, we are no longer forbidden to approach God but are invited to draw near "with confidence to the throne of grace" ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). Uzza's death serves as a stark reminder of the holiness of God, making the New Covenant's access through Christ's atoning work all the more astonishing and precious, transforming fear into reverent worship and humble adoration.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 15:15

And the children of the Levites bare the ark of God upon their shoulders with the staves thereon, as Moses commanded according to the word of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 15:13

For because ye [did it] not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order.

Numbers 4:15

And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear [it]: but they shall not touch [any] holy thing, lest they die. These [things are] the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.

Leviticus 10:1

¶ And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.

Leviticus 10:3

¶ Then Moses said unto Aaron, This [is it] that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.

1 Corinthians 11:30

For this cause many [are] weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

1 Corinthians 11:32

But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.