Uzzah
Ask about Uzzah
Uzzah was one of the sons of Abinadab who helped transport the ark of the covenant on a new cart when David first attempted to bring it to Jerusalem. When the oxen pulling the cart stumbled, Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the ark - and God struck him dead on the spot for the irreverent act. David, initially angry and afraid, halted the procession and left the ark at the house of Obed-edom for three months before trying again, this time carried properly by the Levites on their shoulders as the Law prescribed, rather than on a cart. Uzzah's death became a sobering lesson about approaching sacred things according to God's own instructions rather than by well-intentioned human convenience.
Biography
- Father
- Abinadab
- Era
- United Kingdom
- Nationality
- Israelite
Family
Did You Know?
The ark was being carried on a cart - copying Philistine transport methods - when the law required Levites to bear it on poles; the method itself was the violation.
David named the place Perez-uzzah, 'the breach of Uzzah,' and the name stuck - a permanent place-name warning about casual handling of the holy.
David's second attempt three months later followed the law exactly - and every six steps, sacrifices were offered; the lesson had been learned in detail.
Key Chapters
Key Passages
Uzzah Touches the Ark
2 Samuel 6:6-8
Uzzah's death, though instinctive and well-meant, underscores that even sincere intentions cannot substitute for obedience to God's specific instructions.
6nd 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.