God Smote Him There for His Error (2 Samuel 6:7)

2022-10-15

When you read the story of Uzzah and see that he died for touching the ark on the cart, it seems rather harsh. It appears he is just making sure it stays securely on the cart. Weren’t his heart and intentions right?

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. 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. (2 Samuel 6:6-7)

The ark had been neglected all the days of Saul, and they had long forgotten how to handle it. The last time it was handled, the Philistines had it carried by a cart pulled by cows. The men were expected to have known the proper way to handle it. Since the breach against Uzzah, David did a little research to find out what went wrong.

Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever. (1 Chronicles 15:2)

What do we learn from this story? We are responsible to know what the Lord requires of us. We have access to His word; He expects us to know what it says and live accordingly. Our hearts need to be right, but our minds also need to be right.