“And the anger of the Lord burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down there for his irreverence; and he died there by the ark of God.” 2 Samuel 6:7
In 1st Samuel, we’re told the Story about the Jews taking the Ark into battle against the Philistines, God’s judgement against them while possessing it, and its subsequent return to Israel. For twenty years it resided at “the house of Abinadab on the hill” in Kiriath-jearim, where his son, Eleazar, was consecrated (as a Priest of sorts) in order to take care of it.
In Today’s Reading, David is moving the Ark from the house of Abinadab to Jerusalem “on a cart”. While in transit, the Ark becomes unstable, and Uzzah (one of David’s Mighty Men) reaches out his hand to steady it. He is instantly killed! This great Celebration instantly comes to a screeching halt! As the people now deal with a Tragedy and the demise of one of David’s Celebrated Soldiers, the Ark is quickly taken into the “house of Obed-edom the Gittite.”
What is your view of God? Is this it? How can that be? For “Many”, this is not Him! For “Many”, He is some Old and Sentimental Entity of LOVE. But when you take time to read about the Ark, and God’s View of it, you find it is Extremely HOLY. Only the High Priest is allowed to see it, and that but once a year. It was only to be carried by the Levites on Poles, and covered, so no one could look upon it! GOD IS HOLY!!! And,…we must never see Him any other way! That is why Jesus came. Without Him, no man can approach God. NO ONE!