“The anger of the Lord burned against Uzza, so He struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark; and he died there before God.” 1 Chronicles 13:10
Much earlier in our Journey through the Bible, we read of the Foolishness of Eli’s sons in taking the Ark from its home in the Tabernacle out into the Battle against the Philistines; how they lose it in defeat , and then after severe Judgement from God, return it to the Jews; and finally how “the men of Kiriath-jearim came and took the ark of the Lord and brought it into the house of Abinadab on the hill, and consecrated Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the Lord”. Here it remained for many years, as we read today “for we did not seek it in the days of Saul”.
Well, David’s reign had been secured and now he wanted to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem. He “consulted with the captains of the thousands and the hundreds, even with every leader” and they all agreed; bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem! Now, in the midst of that Holy Event, with thousands gathered to celebrate, one of David’s Mighty Men is struck down for irreverence! Can you picture the scene? Multitudes gathered. Music, Singing, Dancing,…then a Sudden Death!
Why would God do this? David would answer this in Chapter 15; because “we did not seek Him according to the ordinance”. So, in the midst of trying to Worship and Glorify God, they were actually Disobeying Him! Quite Eye-opening isn’t it? Once again we see the Importance of Knowing what God has said. May God help us to Understand His Word Aright!!!