1 Chronicles 12-16
It surely seemed quite severe, actually. The Israelites were moving the Ark of the Covenant from the home of Abinadab to Jerusalem, and Uzzah reached out to steady it when it wobbled on its transportation cart. We read next that “the Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God” (1 Chron 13:10). It was just a brief touch, it seems, but still it cost Uzzah his life.
Not only were Uzzah and Ahio transporting the Ark in a manner different from what God commanded (Exo 25:12-15, Num 3:30-31), but they were also not to touch the Ark (Num 4:15). These regulations, followed by Uzzah’s death for breaking them, were a dramatic reminder of the holiness of God represented by the Ark. The readers from that day on — including us — would be reminded that we may approach God only on His terms.
It’s possible that Uzzah’s logical reaction to steady the ark was also a reflection of his ease with the holy things of God. My concern is that we who live our lives among the people of God hearing the stories of God can ourselves grow far too comfortable with holiness. We sometimes fear God too little.
RESPONSE: Meditate on the holiness of God for a while during your devotional time today.
