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Book of 2 Samuel - Chapter 6 - Verse 7

6:7
And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.

Meaning

In this verse, we see the story of Uzzah, who reached out and touched the ark of God as it was being transported. Uzzah's action, though well-intentioned as he was trying to prevent the ark from falling, was in direct violation of God's instructions regarding the handling of the ark. The Ark of the Covenant was considered sacred and was not to be touched by anyone except for the priests who were designated to carry it. By disobeying this command and touching the ark, Uzzah displayed a level of irreverence towards God's holiness and sovereignty. As a result, God's anger was kindled against Uzzah, and he was struck down for his error.

This story serves as a reminder of the importance of showing respect and reverence towards God and His commands. It highlights the consequences of disobedience and the severity of sin in the eyes of the Lord. While God is loving and forgiving, He is also just and demands obedience from His people. Uzzah's death at the hands of God serves as a lesson for us to take God's word seriously and to always act in accordance with His will.

Theological Overview

Many theologians believe that the story of Uzzah's death serves as a sobering reminder of the holiness of God and the importance of following His commands. In this passage, Uzzah reaches out to steady the Ark of the Covenant as it almost falls, which was a direct violation of God's command not to touch the ark. The word "error" in this context could be interpreted as a lack of reverence or respect for the sacred object, highlighting the seriousness of disobeying God's instructions. Some scholars suggest that Uzzah's action reflected a presumption of familiarity with God's presence, leading to a blurring of the line between reverence and irreverence. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the need for humility and obedience in the presence of God, as well as a reminder that His holiness must be approached with utmost reverence.

American Standard Version

And the anger of Jehovah was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.
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