Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Meaning: Pe'rez-uz'za, meaning "outburst against Uzzah," is a significant location in the biblical narrative, specifically in the context of King David's attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The name commemorates a divine judgment that occurred during this event. Biblical References: The primary account of Pe'rez-uz'za is found in 2 Samuel 6:6-8 and 1 Chronicles 13:9-11. In these passages, the Ark of the Covenant is being transported from the house of Abinadab to the City of David. As the procession reaches the threshing floor of Nacon (or Kidon in 1 Chronicles), the oxen pulling the cart stumble, and Uzzah, one of the attendants, reaches out to steady the Ark. The Lord's anger is kindled against Uzzah for his irreverent act, and God strikes him dead on the spot. 2 Samuel 6:6-8 : "When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen had stumbled. And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down on the spot for his irreverence, and he died there beside the ark of God. Then David became angry because the LORD had burst forth against Uzzah; so he named that place Perez-uzza, as it is called to this day." 1 Chronicles 13:9-11 : "When they came to the threshing floor of Kidon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark, because the oxen had stumbled. And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and He struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God. Then David was angry because the LORD had burst forth against Uzzah; so he named that place Perez-uzza, as it is called to this day." Historical and Theological Context: The incident at Pe'rez-uz'za underscores the holiness of God and the sacredness of the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark, representing God's presence among His people, was to be handled with utmost reverence and according to specific divine instructions. The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and irreverence towards God's commands. The Ark was to be carried by the Levites using poles, as prescribed in the Law of Moses (Exodus 25:14-15; Numbers 4:15). The decision to transport the Ark on a cart, as the Philistines had done when returning it to Israel (1 Samuel 6:7-8), was contrary to these instructions. Uzzah's action, though seemingly well-intentioned, violated the sanctity of the Ark and resulted in his immediate death. David's Reaction: King David's initial reaction to Uzzah's death was one of anger and fear. He was angry because of the breach against Uzzah and feared the Lord's wrath. This incident caused David to pause the transportation of the Ark, leaving it at the house of Obed-edom the Gittite for three months (2 Samuel 6:9-11). During this time, David reflected on the proper way to honor God and transport the Ark, eventually bringing it to Jerusalem with great celebration and reverence. Significance in Israel's History: Pe'rez-uz'za serves as a pivotal moment in Israel's history, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands and the reverence due to His holy presence. It also marks a turning point in David's kingship, as he learns to approach God with the respect and fear that His holiness demands. The event at Pe'rez-uz'za is a sobering reminder of the need for holiness and reverence in worship, themes that resonate throughout the biblical narrative. Concordance Pe'rez-uz'za (1 Occurrence)1 Chronicles 13:11 Thesaurus Pe'rez-uz'za (1 Occurrence)Pe'rez-uz'za. Perez-uzza, Pe'rez-uz'za. Perezuzzah . Multi-Version Concordance Pe'rez-uz'za (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 13:11 David ... /p/pe'rez-uz'za.htm - 6k Perez-uzza (1 Occurrence) Perezuzzah (1 Occurrence) Perezuzza (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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