Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Meaning: Perezuzzah, meaning "outburst against Uzzah" or "breach of Uzzah," is a significant biblical location named in response to a divine act of judgment. The name commemorates the event where God struck Uzzah dead for touching the Ark of the Covenant, as recorded in 2 Samuel 6:6-8 and 1 Chronicles 13:9-11. Biblical Context: The incident at Perezuzzah occurred during King David's attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The Ark, which symbolized God's presence among His people, was being transported from the house of Abinadab on a new cart driven by Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab. This method of transport was contrary to the instructions given in the Law of Moses, which specified that the Ark should be carried on the shoulders of the Levites using poles (Exodus 25:14; Numbers 4:15). The Incident: As the procession reached the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark. The Berean Standard Bible records the event in 2 Samuel 6:7: "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." This act of divine judgment was a stark reminder of the holiness of God and the importance of adhering to His commandments. David's Reaction: David was initially angry and then fearful of the LORD's wrath, as noted in 2 Samuel 6:8-9: "Then David was angry because the LORD had burst forth against Uzzah; so that place is called Perezuzzah to this day. That day David feared the LORD and asked, 'How can the ark of the LORD ever come to me?'" This reaction underscores the gravity of the situation and the reverence required in handling sacred objects. Theological Significance: The event at Perezuzzah serves as a powerful lesson on the holiness of God and the necessity of obedience to His commands. It highlights the importance of approaching God with reverence and respect, recognizing His authority and the sacredness of His ordinances. The incident also foreshadows the New Testament understanding of God's holiness and the need for a mediator, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Location: While the exact geographical location of Perezuzzah is not definitively known, it is traditionally associated with the area near the threshing floor of Nacon, on the route from Kiriath-jearim to Jerusalem. This location is significant in the narrative of David's kingship and the establishment of Jerusalem as the religious center of Israel. Cultural and Historical Insights: The naming of Perezuzzah reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of commemorating significant events through place names. It serves as a perpetual reminder of God's holiness and the consequences of disobedience. The event also illustrates the transition from the period of the judges to the monarchy, as David sought to centralize worship in Jerusalem, aligning the nation under the covenantal worship of Yahweh. Related Scripture: · 2 Samuel 6:6-8 · 1 Chronicles 13:9-11 · Exodus 25:14 · Numbers 4:15 Easton's Bible Dictionary The breach of Uzzah, a place where God "burst forth upon Uzzah, so that he died," when he rashly "took hold" of the ark (2 Samuel 6:6-8). It was not far from Kirjath-jearim (q.v.). Thesaurus Perezuzzah (1 Occurrence)... Kirjath-jearim (qv). Multi-Version Concordance Perezuzzah (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 6:8 And David was displeased, because the LORD ... /p/perezuzzah.htm - 7k Nacon (1 Occurrence) Floor (69 Occurrences) Threshing (57 Occurrences) Perez-uzzah (1 Occurrence) Pe'rez-uz'za (1 Occurrence) Breach (55 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Perezuzzah (1 Occurrence)2 Samuel 6:8 Subtopics Related Terms |
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