1 Chronicles 13:9

KJV

¶ And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when they came {H935} unto the threshingfloor {H1637} of Chidon {H3592}, Uzza {H5798} put forth {H7971} his hand {H3027} to hold {H270} the ark {H727}; for the oxen {H1241} stumbled {H8058}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When they arrived at Kidon's threshing-floor, the oxen stumbled; and 'Uza put out his hand to steady the ark.

Berean Standard Bible

When they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark, because the oxen had stumbled.

American Standard Version

And when they came unto the threshing-floor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 13:9 recounts a pivotal and tragic moment during King David's initial, ill-fated attempt to transport the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. As the sacred Ark was being carried on a new cart, drawn by oxen, the journey was abruptly interrupted at the threshingfloor of Chidon when the animals stumbled. In a seemingly well-intentioned but ultimately unauthorized act, Uzza reached out his hand to steady the Ark, setting the stage for a profound divine intervention that would dramatically reshape David's understanding of God's holiness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a broader narrative in 1 Chronicles (and its parallel in [2 Samuel 6](/2_samuel/6 "2 Samuel 6 - The Ark Brought to Jerusalem")) detailing King David's earnest desire to centralize the worship of Yahweh in Jerusalem by bringing the Ark of the Covenant, which had resided at [Kiriath-jearim](/1_samuel/7-1 "1 Samuel 7:1 - The Ark at Kiriath-jearim") for decades, into his new capital. The preceding verses in [1 Chronicles 13](/1_chronicles/13 "1 Chronicles 13 - David Brings the Ark") describe David consulting with his leaders, gathering all Israel, and initiating a grand, celebratory procession. The method of transport—a new cart drawn by oxen—is immediately highlighted as a deviation from the specific Mosaic instructions for handling the Ark, which mandated it be carried by Levites of the Kohathite family using poles ([Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Instructions for Carrying the Ark")). This sets the stage for the divine judgment that follows Uzza's action, causing David to halt the procession and later correct his approach ([1 Chronicles 15:2](/1_chronicles/15-2 "1 Chronicles 15:2 - David's Corrected Approach")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant was not merely a religious artifact but the most sacred object in ancient Israel, symbolizing God's presence, His throne, and His covenant with His people. Its handling was governed by strict divine laws, reflecting God's absolute holiness and transcendence. Threshingfloors were common, open areas, typically on elevated ground, used for separating grain from chaff, making them public and visible locations. The use of a new cart, while perhaps intended to honor the Ark, was a practice adopted from the Philistines ([1 Samuel 6:7-8](/1_samuel/6-7 "1 Samuel 6:7-8 - Philistines Return the Ark")), not from Israel's own Mosaic law. This cultural blend of sincere worship with improper methodology underscores a critical tension between human wisdom and divine command. The incident served as a stark, public lesson to David and all Israel regarding the profound reverence and strict obedience required when approaching the Holy God.
* **Key Themes:** The incident at the threshingfloor of Chidon (also known as Nachon in [2 Samuel 6:6](/2_samuel/6-6 "2 Samuel 6:6 - Parallel Account of Uzza")) powerfully underscores several foundational themes. Firstly, it highlights **God's Absolute Holiness and Sovereignty**. The Ark was the earthly representation of God's unapproachable glory, and its sacredness demanded strict adherence to divine commands, demonstrating that God's ways are not negotiable. Secondly, the event illustrates **The Danger of Disobedience**, even when seemingly prompted by good intentions. Uzza's act, though perhaps an attempt to prevent the Ark from falling, was a direct transgression of God's explicit law concerning its handling, leading to immediate and severe divine judgment ([1 Chronicles 13:10](/1_chronicles/13-10 "1 Chronicles 13:10 - Uzza's Death")). This emphasizes that human reasoning cannot override divine revelation. Finally, the narrative powerfully teaches the necessity of **Reverence and Awe** in approaching God. It served as a vital, albeit tragic, reminder to David and all Israel that God must be approached on His terms, not according to human convenience or presumption, fostering a deeper understanding of true worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chidon (Hebrew, _Kiydon_):** This place name means "javelin" or "dart," possibly referring to a local geographical feature or a landmark. Its parallel in [2 Samuel 6:6](/2_samuel/6-6 "2 Samuel 6:6 - The Threshingfloor of Nachon") is "Nachon" (נָכוֹן, _Nakown_), meaning "prepared" or "established." The slight variation in names does not alter the core event or its theological significance, with both accounts referring to the same tragic location. Following Uzza's death, the place was renamed "Perez-Uzza" ([1 Chronicles 13:11](/1_chronicles/13-11 "1 Chronicles 13:11 - The Naming of Perez-Uzza")), meaning "breakthrough of Uzza" or "bursting forth against Uzza," signifying God's breaking out in judgment against him.
* **Uzza (Hebrew, _Uzza_):** This name means "my strength" or "strength of Yahweh." The irony is profound: Uzza, whose name signifies strength, is struck down by the ultimate strength of God for presuming to "strengthen" or steady the Ark, an object that required no human assistance or unauthorized touch. His name becomes a poignant reminder of the futility of human strength when it attempts to usurp divine authority or disregard divine commands.
* **Ark (Hebrew, _'aron_):** Specifically, the Ark of the Covenant (אֲרוֹן הַבְּרִית, _'aron habbĕrît_), the most sacred artifact in Israelite worship. It was a wooden chest overlaid with gold, containing the tablets of the Law, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. More importantly, it was the symbol of God's presence among His people, His throne on earth, and the place where He met with His people (the mercy seat above the Ark). Its sanctity was paramount, and its handling was strictly regulated by divine law, emphasizing God's transcendence and the need for a holy approach.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon":** This clause establishes the specific geographical setting for the unfolding drama. The procession, filled with celebration and music, reaches a common agricultural site, a place of public visibility. The sudden stop here underscores the abruptness and public nature of the impending divine intervention, marking this location as the point of crisis.
* **"Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark":** This is the pivotal action of the verse. Uzza, a member of the procession (likely a Levite, though not a Kohathite designated for Ark-bearing), extends his hand to physically grasp the Ark. This act, while perhaps instinctively protective, directly violated God's command that no one, except designated Kohathite Levites carrying it by poles, should touch the Ark itself, lest they die ([Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Proper Handling of the Ark")). It represents a human attempt to manage or control the sacred, presuming upon God's holiness.
* **"for the oxen stumbled":** This final clause provides the immediate catalyst for Uzza's action. The oxen, drawing the cart, experienced a sudden jolt or fall, threatening the stability of the Ark. This detail highlights the perceived emergency that prompted Uzza's intervention, yet it simultaneously underscores the human perspective that failed to recognize God's sovereign control over His own sacred presence, even amidst perceived danger.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [1 Chronicles 13:9](/1_chronicles/13-9 "1 Chronicles 13:9 - Uzza and the Ark") employs several key **literary devices** to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **foreshadowing**, as the stumbling oxen and Uzza's impulsive reach immediately precede the divine judgment described in the very next verse, creating a palpable sense of impending doom. The name **Uzza** itself carries a heavy **irony**: meaning "my strength," it stands in stark contrast to his immediate demise, highlighting the futility of human strength when it presumes upon divine holiness. The **Ark of the Covenant** functions as a powerful **symbolism**, representing not merely an object but the very presence and throne of God among His people, making any unauthorized touch a direct affront to divine majesty. The setting, a **threshingfloor**, a place of separation (chaff from grain), could subtly symbolize the sudden and decisive separation Uzza experiences from the living, underscoring the severity of God's judgment and the clarity of His boundaries.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The incident at the threshingfloor of Chidon serves as a powerful and enduring theological lesson on the absolute holiness of God and the necessity of approaching Him on His own terms. Uzza's death, though seemingly harsh, was not an arbitrary act but a demonstration of God's unwavering commitment to His revealed will and the sanctity of His presence. It underscores that sincere intentions, while commendable, can never supersede divine commands, particularly concerning worship and the handling of sacred things. God's character demands reverence, and His instructions are not suggestions but boundaries for our good and His glory. This event deeply impacted David, leading him to a period of fear and reflection, ultimately resulting in a corrected, obedient approach to transporting the Ark, emphasizing that true worship is characterized by both zeal and careful adherence to God's Word.

* [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - The Kohathites and the Ark"): This passage explicitly details the precise instructions for the Kohathite Levites to carry the Ark using poles, strictly forbidding direct contact, under penalty of death.
* [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Fire"): This account describes Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, offering "strange fire" before the Lord, resulting in their immediate death. This parallels Uzza's story in demonstrating the severe consequences of unauthorized worship or presuming upon God's holiness.
* [Hebrews 12:28-29](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28-29 - Worship with Reverence and Awe"): The New Testament affirms God's unchanging nature, calling believers to "offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." This echoes the principle of divine holiness demonstrated in Uzza's story, even within the context of grace.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Uzza's story from [1 Chronicles 13:9](/1_chronicles/13-9 "1 Chronicles 13:9 - Uzza's Act") remains a potent reminder for believers today that while we live under a new covenant of grace, the fundamental truth of God's unchanging holiness endures. It challenges us to examine our own approach to God, ensuring that our zeal is tempered by reverence and our good intentions are always aligned with His revealed will. We are called to worship and serve God not according to human wisdom or convenience, but according to His Word, recognizing that true faith involves both passionate devotion and humble obedience. This narrative cautions against spiritual presumption, reminding us that God's sacred presence is not to be trifled with, nor His commands disregarded, even in moments of perceived crisis or well-meaning intervention. It teaches us the importance of understanding and respecting divine boundaries, fostering a deeper awe for the One who is truly set apart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Uzza's story challenge our modern understanding of God's holiness, especially in a grace-filled age?**
* **In what ways might we, with good intentions, inadvertently "touch the Ark" or presume upon God's commands in our worship or service today?**
* **What does true reverence and awe for God look like in our daily lives, our corporate worship, and our personal walk with Him?**

### FAQ

**Question?** Why was Uzza's punishment so severe for what seemed like a helpful act?

Answer: Uzza's punishment, though seemingly harsh, was a profound demonstration of God's absolute holiness and the critical importance of obedience to His specific commands regarding the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark symbolized God's very presence and throne among His people; it was not merely a piece of furniture. God had explicitly commanded that only Kohathite Levites were to carry the Ark, and only by poles inserted through its rings, with no one touching the Ark itself, lest they die ([Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Ark Handling Instructions")). Uzza's act, while perhaps an instinctive attempt to prevent the Ark from falling, was a direct violation of this divine prohibition. God's severity underscored that His holiness is not to be trifled with, and His commands are not arbitrary suggestions. This incident served as a foundational lesson for David and all Israel at the beginning of David's reign, establishing the necessary reverence and fear of God essential for a right relationship with Him and for proper worship. It taught them that God must be approached on His terms, not human ones, no matter how well-intentioned.

**Question?** Is this account contradicted by the parallel in 2 Samuel 6:6, which mentions "Nachon" instead of "Chidon"?

Answer: No, there is no contradiction. The minor difference in place names between [1 Chronicles 13:9](/1_chronicles/13-9 "1 Chronicles 13:9 - The Threshingfloor of Chidon") (Chidon) and [2 Samuel 6:6](/2_samuel/6-6 "2 Samuel 6:6 - The Threshingfloor of Nachon") (Nachon) is best understood as either two names for the same location, or perhaps "Nachon" was the name of the owner of the threshingfloor, or even a slight textual variation that does not alter the substance of the event. Such variations are common in ancient texts and do not diminish the historical accuracy or theological message of the narrative. Both accounts consistently describe the same critical event: the oxen stumbled, Uzza reached out to steady the Ark, and he was struck down by God. The core message regarding God's holiness and the consequences of disobedience remains identical and powerfully consistent across both biblical records.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic account of Uzza's death at the threshingfloor of Chidon, born from a well-intentioned but unauthorized touch of God's holy Ark, powerfully foreshadows the profound shift brought about by Jesus Christ. In the Old Covenant, God's holiness was so absolute and unapproachable that direct contact with His sacred symbols, outside of His prescribed means, led to death. The Ark represented God's dwelling among His people, yet it also highlighted the barrier of sin that separated humanity from a holy God. However, in Christ, this dynamic is fundamentally transformed. Jesus is the ultimate "Ark" of God's presence, the very embodiment of God dwelling among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Christ has removed the barrier of sin that made God's presence dangerous to sinful humanity. He is the new and living way to the Father ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), fulfilling the Law's demands for holiness and making direct, confident access to God possible. We are no longer kept at a distance by fear of divine judgment for unintentional trespasses, but are invited to draw near to the throne of grace with confidence, not presumption, through the blood of Jesus ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace") and [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place")). Uzza's story reminds us of God's unchanging holiness, while Christ's work reveals the glorious grace by which that holiness has been perfectly satisfied and reconciled to us.

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

2 Samuel 6:6

¶ And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth [his hand] to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook [it].