1 Chronicles 13:9

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

1 Chronicles 13:9 describes a critical moment during King David's initial attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. As the Ark was being transported on a new cart, drawn by oxen, disaster struck. The verse recounts how, upon reaching the "threshingfloor of Chidon," the oxen stumbled, prompting Uzza to reach out and steady the sacred Ark.

Context

This verse is part of a larger narrative detailing King David's fervent desire to bring the Ark of God, which symbolized God's presence and covenant with Israel, into his capital city. For decades, the Ark had resided at Kiriath-jearim (1 Samuel 7:1) after its return from the Philistines. David, with all Israel, was celebrating this grand procession. However, the method of transport—a new cart drawn by oxen—was in direct violation of God's specific instructions for carrying the Ark, which mandated that it be carried by Levites of the Kohathite family using poles through its rings (Numbers 4:15).

Key Themes

  • God's Holiness and Sovereignty: The incident at the threshingfloor of Chidon (also known as Nachon in 2 Samuel 6:6) powerfully underscores God's absolute holiness. The Ark was not merely a religious artifact; it represented the very throne of God among His people. Its sacredness demanded strict adherence to divine commands.
  • The Danger of Disobedience: While Uzza's intention may have seemed good—preventing the Ark from falling—his action was a direct transgression of God's law concerning the handling of the Ark. The subsequent verse (1 Chronicles 13:10) reveals the immediate and severe divine judgment that followed, resulting in Uzza's death. This highlights that good intentions cannot override God's explicit commands, especially regarding His sacred presence.
  • Reverence and Awe: The event served as a stark reminder to David and all Israel of the profound reverence due to God. It taught them that God must be approached on His terms, not according to human wisdom or convenience.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Chidon" (כִּידֹן, Kiydon) means "javelin" or "dart," possibly referring to the shape of the threshingfloor or a local feature. The parallel account in 2 Samuel 6:6 uses "Nachon" (נָכוֹן, Nakown), meaning "prepared" or "established." Following Uzza's death, the place was renamed "Perez-Uzza" (1 Chronicles 13:11), meaning "breakthrough of Uzza" or "bursting forth against Uzza," signifying God's breaking out against him.

Significance and Application

This incident profoundly impacted David, causing him to halt the procession and fear God. It led to a period of reflection and eventual correction. David later learned from this tragic error, ensuring that the Ark was transported correctly by the Levites as commanded by God (1 Chronicles 15:2). For believers today, Uzza's story serves as a powerful reminder:

  • God's character is holy: While we live under a new covenant of grace, the principle of God's holiness remains foundational. We are called to approach God with reverence and respect, understanding His nature.
  • Obedience is paramount: Genuine worship and service involve obedience to God's revealed will. Our good intentions, while valuable, must always be aligned with God's Word.
  • Learning from divine discipline: God's discipline, though sometimes severe, is ultimately for our instruction and spiritual growth, leading us to a deeper understanding of Him and His ways.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 6:6 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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].