1 Chronicles 13:10

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

1 Chronicles 13:10 recounts a sobering moment during King David's attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This verse highlights God's absolute holiness and the severe consequences of disregarding His specific instructions regarding His sacred presence.

Context

After King David established his reign in Jerusalem, one of his first major undertakings was to bring the Ark of the Covenant, which had been residing in Kirjath-jearim for many years, to the capital city. This was a joyous occasion, celebrated with music and dancing. However, the method of transport chosen was contrary to God's explicit commands given through Moses. Instead of the Ark being carried on the shoulders of the Levites by poles (Numbers 4:15), it was placed on a new cart, similar to how the Philistines had returned it (1 Samuel 6:7-8). Uzza and Ahio, sons of Abinadab (who housed the Ark), were guiding the cart. When the oxen stumbled, Uzza instinctively reached out his hand to steady the Ark, preventing it from falling.

Key Themes

  • God's Unapproachable Holiness: The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in Israel, symbolizing God's presence and throne. It was hedged with strict laws to emphasize God's absolute purity and the reverence due to Him. Uzza's death underscores that God's holiness is not to be trifled with, and His commands regarding its sanctity are not arbitrary.
  • The Importance of Obedience: While Uzza's intention may have been to protect the Ark, his action was a direct violation of divine law. God's anger was kindled not just because of Uzza's touch, but because the entire procession was conducted improperly, ignoring the detailed instructions for handling the Ark. This event served as a powerful lesson on the necessity of strict obedience to God's commands.
  • Divine Judgment and Awe: This sudden judgment instilled profound fear and awe in David and the Israelites. It reminded them that God is not merely a benevolent deity but also a righteous judge who demands respect for His statutes.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "kindled" (charah) implies a burning or intense anger, indicating God's strong displeasure. "Smote" (nakah) signifies a striking or fatal blow. The phrase "put his hand to the ark" highlights the direct violation of the command that only authorized Levites, and even then, only by the poles, were allowed to handle the Ark. Uzza's touching of the Ark was a breach of its sacred boundaries.

Practical Application

While believers today do not interact with a physical Ark, the principles of God's holiness and the importance of reverence remain. This passage reminds us that God is holy and must be approached on His terms. In the New Covenant, we have access to God through Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, yet this access does not negate the need for reverence, sincerity, and obedience in our worship and service. It teaches us that good intentions alone are not enough; our service to God must align with His revealed will and character. This account serves as a timeless warning against casualness or presumption in our relationship with the Almighty.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 15:15 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Corinthians 11:32 (2 votes)

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