2 Samuel 6:8

KJV

And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzzah: and he called the name of the place Perezuzzah to this day.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} was displeased {H2734}, because the LORD {H3068} had made {H6555} a breach {H6556} upon Uzzah {H5798}: and he called {H7121} the name of the place {H4725} Perezuzzah {H6560} to this day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It upset David that ADONAI had broken out against 'Uzah; that place has been called Peretz-'Uzah [breaking-out of 'Uzah] ever since.

Berean Standard Bible

Then David became angry because the LORD had burst forth against Uzzah; so he named that place Perez-uzzah, as it is called to this day.

American Standard Version

And David was displeased, because Jehovah had broken forth upon Uzzah; and he called that place Perez-uzzah, unto this day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 6:8 records King David's profound and complex reaction to the divine judgment on Uzzah, who was struck dead for touching the Ark of the Covenant. David's immediate "displeasure"—a mixture of anger, grief, and fear—led him to name the site Perezuzzah, meaning "breach of Uzzah." This pivotal event dramatically halted the Ark's journey to Jerusalem, serving as a stark and enduring reminder of God's absolute holiness, the necessity of strict obedience to His commands regarding sacred things, and the profound reverence required when encountering divine presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of David's reign, specifically detailing his second, and initially flawed, attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The preceding verses [2 Samuel 6:1-7](/2_samuel/6-1 "2 Samuel 6:1-7 - David's First Attempt to Bring the Ark") describe the joyous procession from Abinadab's house, the use of a new cart (a method not prescribed by divine law), and the tragic moment when Uzzah, in an attempt to steady the Ark, touched it and was immediately struck down by God. This incident abruptly interrupts David's celebration and directly precedes his subsequent fear and decision to divert the Ark to the house of Obed-Edom [2 Samuel 6:9-11](/2_samuel/6-9 "2 Samuel 6:9-11 - The Ark at Obed-Edom's House"). The narrative then contrasts this initial failure with the later, successful, and divinely approved transport of the Ark to Jerusalem, highlighting the lessons learned through this severe divine intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in ancient Israel, symbolizing God's throne, His presence among His people, and the covenant relationship. Its construction and handling were meticulously detailed in the Mosaic Law, particularly in [Exodus 25:10-22](/exodus/25-10 "Exodus 25:10-22 - Instructions for the Ark of the Covenant") and [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Proper Handling of the Ark"). These instructions explicitly stated that the Ark was to be carried by Levites using poles through rings on its sides, and that direct contact was forbidden on pain of death. David's decision to transport the Ark on a new cart, while perhaps drawing from the Philistine method of returning the Ark [1 Samuel 6:7-11](/1_samuel/6-7 "1 Samuel 6:7-11 - The Philistines Return the Ark"), disregarded the specific divine commands for Israel. In the ancient Near East, sacred objects were often treated with extreme caution and reverence, and violations of cultic purity or divine protocol could result in severe consequences, underscoring the gravity of Uzzah's transgression within this cultural and religious framework.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. It vividly illustrates the theme of **God's absolute holiness and sovereignty**, demonstrating that God's sacred presence cannot be approached or handled presumptuously or according to human innovation, but only on His terms. The immediate judgment on Uzzah underscores the **consequences of disobedience**, even when intentions seem good, reinforcing the critical importance of adhering to God's revealed will over human logic or expediency. Furthermore, David's reaction of "displeasure" (a complex term encompassing anger, grief, and fear) introduces the theme of **human response to divine judgment**, highlighting the sobering reality of God's justice and the profound reverence required when encountering His power. This moment forces David to re-evaluate his approach to worship and governance, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of true worship and the establishment of the Davidic covenant later in the book (e.g., [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Displeased (Hebrew, _ḥārāh_):** This verb often describes intense anger or burning indignation (e.g., [Genesis 4:5](/genesis/4-5 "Genesis 4:5 - Cain's Anger")). In this context, it signifies a strong emotional reaction from David, likely a complex mixture of anger, grief, and profound shock. He was angry at the disruption of his joyous procession, grieved by Uzzah's sudden death, and perhaps even angry at God for the severity of the judgment, or at himself for the miscalculation. This "displeasure" quickly transitions into fear in the subsequent verse [2 Samuel 6:9](/2_samuel/6-9 "2 Samuel 6:9 - David's Fear of the LORD").
* **Breach (Hebrew, _pereṣ_):** This noun literally means "a breaking forth," "bursting out," or "breach." It denotes a sudden, violent, and decisive act of God's judgment, emphasizing the immediate and forceful nature of Uzzah's death. The word implies an uncontainable eruption of divine power against an offense, creating a permanent rupture or gap.
* **Perezuzzah (Hebrew, _pereṣ-ʿuzzāh_):** This is a compound name formed from "breach" (_pereṣ_) and "Uzzah." It literally means "the breach of Uzzah" or "the bursting forth against Uzzah." The naming of the place serves as a perpetual memorial, a stark reminder of the divine judgment and the consequences of violating God's holiness, ensuring that the event and its lesson would not be forgotten by future generations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David was displeased":** This phrase captures David's immediate and intense emotional response to Uzzah's death. His initial joy and celebration (2 Samuel 6:5) abruptly turn into a complex mixture of anger, sorrow, and perhaps even frustration or questioning of God's action. This "displeasure" is a human reaction to a divine act that disrupted his plans and brought tragedy.
* **"because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzzah":** This clause explicitly attributes Uzzah's death directly to the LORD. The "breach" signifies a sudden, violent, and decisive act of divine judgment. It underscores God's active involvement and sovereignty in the event, clarifying that Uzzah's death was not an accident but a direct consequence of violating God's specific commands regarding the Ark's handling.
* **"and he called the name of the place Perezuzzah":** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, naming a place often commemorated a significant event or characteristic. David's naming of the site "Perezuzzah" (meaning "breach of Uzzah") serves as a permanent memorial to the tragic incident. This act of naming ensures that the lesson of God's holiness and the severity of His judgment would be perpetually remembered and serve as a warning.
* **"to this day":** This common biblical phrase, often found in historical narratives, indicates that the name "Perezuzzah" (or at least the memory of the event associated with it) persisted long after the events described, up to the time the book of Samuel was written. It authenticates the historical account and emphasizes the lasting impact and significance of Uzzah's death.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Eponymous Naming** is central, as David names the place **Perezuzzah** after the "breach" (Hebrew: _pereṣ_) that occurred to Uzzah, creating a lasting memorial and a mnemonic device for the event's significance. The abrupt shift from joyous celebration (2 Samuel 6:5) to sudden death and David's "displeasure" creates powerful **Juxtaposition**, highlighting the stark contrast between human intentions and divine expectations. The narrative also uses **Foreshadowing** indirectly, as Uzzah's death serves as a solemn warning that prepares David and the reader for the meticulous and reverent approach required for the Ark's successful transfer later in the chapter, underscoring the gravity of God's holiness. The phrase "to this day" functions as a **Historical Marker**, authenticating the narrative and emphasizing the enduring impact of the event on the collective memory of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 6:8 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God, specifically His absolute holiness and unapproachable majesty. Uzzah's death, though seemingly harsh, underscores that God is not a deity to be handled casually or according to human convenience. His commands, especially concerning His presence and worship, are not arbitrary but reflect His perfect character and the order He establishes. This event serves as a stark reminder that while God desires intimacy with His people, this intimacy must be approached with reverence, obedience, and an understanding of His transcendence. It highlights the principle that good intentions do not supersede divine instruction, and that human attempts to "help" God can be presumptuous and dangerous when they disregard His revealed will. The incident ultimately redirects David, and Israel, to a deeper, more reverent understanding of worship and the divine-human relationship.

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Uzzah's death and David's subsequent "displeasure" in 2 Samuel 6:8 serves as a timeless and sobering lesson for believers today. It challenges our often-casual approach to God and sacred things. While we live under the New Covenant of grace, the underlying principle of God's holiness and the necessity of approaching Him on His terms remain immutable. This passage calls us to cultivate a deep reverence for God, recognizing His infinite majesty and the seriousness of His Word. It prompts us to examine our own lives: are we approaching God's truth, His church, or His calling with a casual attitude, relying on human wisdom or expediency rather than diligent obedience to His revealed will? True worship is not merely about good intentions or outward enthusiasm, but about humble submission to God's ways, acknowledging His absolute sovereignty and the profound privilege of His presence. This narrative reminds us that God is both loving and just, merciful and holy, and He deserves our utmost respect and careful adherence to His instructions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the account of Uzzah's death challenge my understanding of God's holiness and justice?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be approaching God or His commands with a casual attitude rather than reverence and obedience?**
* **What is the difference between human good intentions and divine instruction, and why is this distinction crucial for faithful living?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of awe and reverence for God in my daily walk and worship?**

### FAQ
**Why was Uzzah's punishment so severe for seemingly trying to help?**

Answer: Uzzah's punishment was severe because his action, though perhaps well-intentioned from a human perspective, directly violated God's explicit commands regarding the handling of the Ark of the Covenant. The Mosaic Law, particularly in [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Instructions for Handling the Ark"), strictly prohibited anyone from touching the Ark; it was to be carried only by Levites of the Kohathite clan using poles through rings, lest they die. The Ark symbolized God's holy presence, and any unauthorized contact was considered a defilement and a profound disrespect for His holiness. God's severity underscored the absolute necessity of obedience to His instructions, especially concerning sacred things, and served as a powerful lesson to Israel about His unapproachable majesty and the dangers of treating His holiness lightly. This incident reinforced that God's ways are not human ways, and His commands are not suggestions.

**What does David's "displeasure" signify?**

Answer: David's "displeasure" (Hebrew: _ḥārāh_) is a complex emotional response, indicating more than simple sadness. It likely encompassed a mixture of anger, grief, and profound shock. He was probably angry that his joyous procession was abruptly halted by tragedy, grieved by Uzzah's sudden death, and perhaps even angry at God for the severity of the judgment, or at himself for the miscalculation in how the Ark was transported. This displeasure quickly transitioned into fear, as seen in [2 Samuel 6:9](/2_samuel/6-9 "2 Samuel 6:9 - David's Fear of the LORD"), leading him to question whether he was worthy or able to bring the Ark into his city. It reveals a human reaction to a divine act that disrupted his plans and brought unexpected judgment, forcing him to confront the awesome and fearsome aspect of God's holiness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic event at Perezuzzah, recorded in 2 Samuel 6:8, profoundly highlights the unapproachable holiness of God under the Old Covenant, where direct access to His presence was restricted and dangerous for sinful humanity. The Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's dwelling, could only be approached with meticulous adherence to divine law, and even then, only by authorized priests. This strictness foreshadows the ultimate solution to humanity's separation from a holy God: the coming of Jesus Christ. Through Christ, the ultimate [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who offered Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice for sin, the "breach" between God and humanity has been permanently mended. The New Testament teaches that believers now have [bold and confident access](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence") to God's very throne of grace, not through human effort or ritualistic purity, but through the [blood of Jesus](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19 - Access to the Holiest by the Blood of Jesus"). He is our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") who has entered the true heavenly sanctuary, making it possible for us to draw near to God with a [sincere heart in full assurance of faith](/hebrews/10-22 "Hebrews 10:22 - Draw Near with a True Heart"). Thus, what was a terrifying barrier in the Old Covenant is now an open invitation in Christ, emphasizing that while God's holiness remains, His grace in Christ has provided the perfect means for reconciliation and intimate fellowship, fulfilling the longing for His presence in a way Uzzah's generation could only dimly perceive.

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

Jonah 4:1

¶ But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry.

1 Chronicles 13:11

And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perezuzza to this day.

1 Chronicles 13:12

And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God [home] to me?

Jonah 4:9

And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, [even] unto death.