1 Chronicles 13:11

Then David became angry because the LORD had burst forth against Uzzah; so he named that place Perez-uzzah, as it is called to this day.

Study Bible

Then David became angry
David's anger reflects a complex emotional response to the death of Uzzah. This reaction can be understood in the context of his deep desire to honor God by bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. His anger may have been directed at himself for not following the prescribed method of transporting the Ark, as outlined in the Law of Moses (Numbers 4:15). It also highlights the human tendency to react emotionally when faced with unexpected divine actions.

because the LORD had burst forth against Uzzah.
The phrase "burst forth" indicates a sudden and powerful action by God, reminiscent of the earlier event at Baal-perazim (1 Chronicles 14:11), where God "burst" through David's enemies. Uzzah's death was a direct result of touching the Ark, which was forbidden (Numbers 4:15). This incident underscores the holiness of God and the importance of obedience to His commands. It serves as a reminder of the reverence required in handling sacred objects and the seriousness of God's instructions.

So he named that place Perez-uzzah,
The naming of the place Perez-uzzah, meaning "outburst against Uzzah," serves as a memorial to the event. Naming locations after significant events was a common practice in biblical times, serving both as a historical record and a theological lesson. This name would remind future generations of the consequences of disobedience and the holiness of God.

as it is called to this day.
The phrase "as it is called to this day" suggests that the account was written at a time when the name was still in use, indicating the lasting impact of the event on the collective memory of Israel. It emphasizes the enduring nature of God's actions and the lessons they impart. This phrase also connects the narrative to the broader historical context, showing the continuity of tradition and the importance of remembering God's dealings with His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel who sought to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. His reaction to the incident with Uzzah reflects his complex relationship with God and his leadership challenges.

2. Uzzah
A man who touched the Ark of the Covenant to steady it and was struck down by God. His death serves as a sobering reminder of the holiness of God and the importance of obedience.

3. The Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence with His people. Its transportation was a significant event for Israel.

4. Perez-uzzah
The place named by David, meaning "outburst against Uzzah," marking the site of God's judgment and a turning point in the account.

5. The LORD
The God of Israel, whose holiness and justice are central to the events of this passage. His actions demonstrate the seriousness of His commands.

Teaching Points

The Holiness of God
God's holiness demands reverence and obedience. The incident with Uzzah serves as a powerful reminder that God's instructions are not to be taken lightly.

The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God's commands is crucial. David's failure to transport the Ark according to God's instructions led to tragic consequences, teaching us the importance of aligning our actions with God's will.

Righteous Anger and Reflection
David's anger and subsequent naming of the place reflect a human response to divine actions. It is important to process our emotions in light of God's character and seek understanding through His Word.

Learning from Mistakes
The incident encourages believers to learn from past mistakes and seek God's guidance in correcting their paths. David later successfully brings the Ark to Jerusalem by following God's instructions.

The Fear of the Lord
A healthy fear of the Lord is foundational to wisdom and understanding. Recognizing God's power and holiness should lead us to live in awe and submission to Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the incident with Uzzah challenge our understanding of God's holiness and justice?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our actions align with God's instructions, as seen in the transportation of the Ark?

3. How can we process feelings of anger or confusion when God's actions or commands seem difficult to understand?

4. What lessons can we learn from David's response to the incident, and how can we apply them to our leadership or personal lives?

5. How does the fear of the Lord influence our daily decisions and relationship with God, and what steps can we take to cultivate a deeper reverence for Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Samuel 6:6-8
This parallel account provides additional context and details about the incident with Uzzah, highlighting the same themes of God's holiness and the consequences of disobedience.

Exodus 25:14-15
These verses outline the specific instructions for carrying the Ark, emphasizing the importance of following God's commands precisely.

Leviticus 10:1-3
The account of Nadab and Abihu, who were also struck down for offering unauthorized fire, parallels the theme of God's holiness and the consequences of disregarding His instructions.