1 Chronicles 13 Study Notes: Uzzah and the Ark
David leads the whole nation in setting out to move God’s ark from Kiriath-jearim on a newly built cart amid joyful music. When Uzzah grabs the ark, the LORD strikes him dead, and David, angry and afraid, leaves the ark with Obed-edom, whose household God blesses for three months.
General
True or False: When David proposed bringing back the ark, the leaders and people objected, so he went ahead with only his own men.
Answer: False
This is false. Everyone approved the plan, and the entire assembly consented (13:4). David then gathered the nation from Shihor in Egypt all the way to Lebo-hamath, to fetch the ark from Kiriath-jearim (13:5). The goal was good, but the way the ark was carried also mattered. Two chapters later David orders that the ark be carried by Levites alone, because the LORD chose them for that task (15:2), and he admits that the Levites had been absent the first time and they had not consulted the LORD about the proper way to do it (15:13).
- 1 Chronicles 13:4-5 (BSB)“And because this proposal seemed right to all the people, the whole assembly agreed to it. So David assembled all Israel, from the River Shihor in Egypt to Lebo-hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim.”The whole assembly agrees, and David gathers all Israel to bring the ark.
- 1 Chronicles 15:2 (BSB)“Then David said, “No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the LORD has chosen them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister before Him forever.””David later rules that only the Levites, chosen by the LORD, may carry the ark.
- 1 Chronicles 15:13 (BSB)“It was because you Levites were not with us the first time that the LORD our God burst forth in anger against us. For we did not consult Him about the proper order.””David later admits the Levites were absent the first time and the LORD was not consulted about the proper order.
Theological
True or False: The assembly rejected David’s proposal, and he moved the ark with his household alone.
Answer: False
This is false. The entire assembly consented because everyone approved the plan (13:4), and David gathered Israel from Shihor to Lebo-hamath for the purpose of fetching the ark (13:5). Yet consensus did not settle how the ark must be carried: David later rules that only the Levites, whom the LORD chose, may carry it (15:2), and confesses that the first time the Levites were absent and the LORD had not been consulted about the proper procedure (15:13).
- 1 Chronicles 13:4-5 (BSB)“And because this proposal seemed right to all the people, the whole assembly agreed to it. So David assembled all Israel, from the River Shihor in Egypt to Lebo-hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim.”The whole assembly agrees, and David gathers all Israel to bring the ark.
- 1 Chronicles 15:2 (BSB)“Then David said, “No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the LORD has chosen them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister before Him forever.””David later rules that only the Levites, chosen by the LORD, may carry the ark.
- 1 Chronicles 15:13 (BSB)“It was because you Levites were not with us the first time that the LORD our God burst forth in anger against us. For we did not consult Him about the proper order.””David later admits the Levites were absent the first time and the LORD was not consulted about the proper order.
General
How did David respond after the LORD struck Uzzah (1 Chronicles 13:11-12)?
Answer: He grew angry, then feared God, asking how the ark could come to him
David was angry that the LORD had broken out against Uzzah. He named the place Perez-uzzah because of what happened there (13:11). That same day David grew afraid of God and wondered how the ark could ever come to him (13:12). David’s question was the same one the people of Beth-shemesh had asked long before: who can stand before this holy God (1 Samuel 6:20)? Fear of God, meaning deep reverence and awe before Him, is where wisdom starts (Proverbs 9:10). David’s fear led him to stop and, in chapter 15, to seek the right way to move the ark.
- 1 Chronicles 13:11-12 (BSB)“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. That day David feared God and asked, “How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?””David is angry at the LORD’s outburst against Uzzah, names the place, and then fears God.
- 1 Samuel 6:20 (BSB)“The men of Beth-shemesh asked, “Who can stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God? To whom should the ark go up from here?””The men of Beth-shemesh asked who can stand before this holy God, the same fear David feels.
- Proverbs 9:10 (BSB)“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, the response that turns David toward obedience.
Theological
What were David’s reactions to Uzzah’s death (1 Chronicles 13:11-12)?
Answer: He grew angry, then feared God, asking how the ark could come to him
David’s first response is anger that the LORD had broken out against Uzzah, memorialized in the name Perez-uzzah (13:11); his second is fear of God and the question how the ark could ever come to him (13:12). The question echoes Beth-shemesh’s cry about standing before this holy God (1 Samuel 6:20). Wisdom starts with fearing the LORD (Proverbs 9:10), and that fear leads David, in chapter 15, to seek God’s prescribed order.
- 1 Chronicles 13:11-12 (BSB)“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. That day David feared God and asked, “How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?””David is angry at the LORD’s outburst against Uzzah, names the place, and then fears God.
- 1 Samuel 6:20 (BSB)“The men of Beth-shemesh asked, “Who can stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God? To whom should the ark go up from here?””The men of Beth-shemesh asked who can stand before this holy God, the same fear David feels.
- Proverbs 9:10 (BSB)“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, the response that turns David toward obedience.
General
What reason did David give the assembly for bringing God’s ark back (1 Chronicles 13:3)?
Answer: In Saul’s days, the people had failed to seek God’s guidance
God’s ark was the sacred gold-covered chest that stood for the LORD’s presence among Israel. David consulted his commanders and then addressed the entire assembly. If it seemed good to them and if it was from the LORD, they should invite all Israel, including the priests and the Levites, and bring the ark back, because they had not sought God’s guidance while Saul reigned (13:1-3). The ark had sat at Kiriath-jearim for many years (1 Samuel 7:1-2). This links back to chapter 10, where Saul died partly because he did not seek the LORD’s guidance (10:14). David wanted Israel to seek the LORD, a theme the book returns to again and again (16:11).
- 1 Chronicles 13:1-3 (BSB)“Then David conferred with all his leaders, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds. And he said to the whole assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you, and if this is of the LORD our God, let us send word far and wide to the rest of our brothers in all the land of Israel, and also to the priests and Levites in their cities and pasturelands, so that they may join us. Then let us bring back the ark of our God, for we did not inquire of Him in the days of Saul.””David consults the leaders and proposes bringing back the ark, since God had not been sought in Saul’s days.
- 1 Samuel 7:1-2 (BSB)“Then the men of Kiriath-jearim came for the ark of the LORD and took it into Abinadab’s house on the hill. And they consecrated his son Eleazar to guard the ark of the LORD. And from that day a long time passed, twenty years in all, as the ark remained at Kiriath-jearim. And all the house of Israel mournfully sought the LORD.”The ark had stayed at Abinadab’s house in Kiriath-jearim for a long time.
- 1 Chronicles 10:14 (BSB)“and he failed to inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.”Saul’s failure to inquire of the LORD is part of the reason given for his death.
- 1 Chronicles 16:11 (BSB)“Seek out the LORD and His strength; seek His face always.”David’s later psalm calls Israel to seek the LORD and His face always.
Theological
On what ground does David urge the assembly to return the ark to its place (1 Chronicles 13:3)?
Answer: In Saul’s days, the people had failed to seek God’s guidance
David frames the proposal conditionally, if the assembly approves and if it comes from the LORD, and grounds it in Israel’s neglect: they had not sought God’s guidance during Saul’s reign (13:1-3). The ark had languished at Kiriath-jearim (1 Samuel 7:1-2), and Saul’s failure to seek the LORD’s guidance was named as part of the cause of his death (10:14). Seeking the LORD, a central Chronicles theme (16:11), now shapes an early act of David’s reign over all Israel.
- 1 Chronicles 13:1-3 (BSB)“Then David conferred with all his leaders, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds. And he said to the whole assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you, and if this is of the LORD our God, let us send word far and wide to the rest of our brothers in all the land of Israel, and also to the priests and Levites in their cities and pasturelands, so that they may join us. Then let us bring back the ark of our God, for we did not inquire of Him in the days of Saul.””David consults the leaders and proposes bringing back the ark, since God had not been sought in Saul’s days.
- 1 Samuel 7:1-2 (BSB)“Then the men of Kiriath-jearim came for the ark of the LORD and took it into Abinadab’s house on the hill. And they consecrated his son Eleazar to guard the ark of the LORD. And from that day a long time passed, twenty years in all, as the ark remained at Kiriath-jearim. And all the house of Israel mournfully sought the LORD.”The ark had stayed at Abinadab’s house in Kiriath-jearim for a long time.
- 1 Chronicles 10:14 (BSB)“and he failed to inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.”Saul’s failure to inquire of the LORD is part of the reason given for his death.
- 1 Chronicles 16:11 (BSB)“Seek out the LORD and His strength; seek His face always.”David’s later psalm calls Israel to seek the LORD and His face always.
General
How does 1 Chronicles 13:6 describe the ark that Israel went to bring up?
Answer: As the LORD’s ark, called by His Name, where He sits enthroned
The chapter describes it as the ark belonging to the LORD God, who is throned between the cherubim, an ark that bears His Name (13:6). Cherubim are heavenly beings, and two golden cherubim stood on the ark’s cover. The LORD had promised to meet with Moses there, above the cover between the cherubim (Exodus 25:22). Israel spoke of the LORD as the One whose throne is over the cherubim (1 Samuel 4:4; Psalm 99:1). The ark was not a good-luck charm. It was the place of God’s throne among His people, which is why it had to be treated as holy.
- 1 Chronicles 13:6 (BSB)“David and all Israel went up to Baalah of Judah (that is, Kiriath-jearim) to bring up from there the ark of God the LORD, who is enthroned between the cherubim—the ark that is called by the Name.”The ark is described as belonging to the LORD who is enthroned between the cherubim and called by the Name.
- Exodus 25:22 (BSB)“And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites.”God promised to meet with Moses above the mercy seat between the two cherubim on the ark.
- 1 Samuel 4:4 (BSB)“So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.”The ark is likewise linked to the LORD of Hosts who sits enthroned between the cherubim.
- Psalm 99:1 (BSB)“The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble! He is enthroned above the cherubim; let the earth quake!”The psalm confesses the reigning LORD enthroned above the cherubim.
Theological
How does 13:6 describe the ark’s identity?
Answer: As the LORD’s ark, called by His Name, where He sits enthroned
The ark belongs to the LORD God, who is throned between the cherubim; it also bears His Name (13:6). It is the throne of Israel’s King among His people, the place where God promised to meet Moses over the mercy seat (Exodus 25:22), and the LORD is confessed as enthroned between or above the cherubim (1 Samuel 4:4; Psalm 99:1). Its holiness explains what follows.
- 1 Chronicles 13:6 (BSB)“David and all Israel went up to Baalah of Judah (that is, Kiriath-jearim) to bring up from there the ark of God the LORD, who is enthroned between the cherubim—the ark that is called by the Name.”The ark is described as belonging to the LORD who is enthroned between the cherubim and called by the Name.
- Exodus 25:22 (BSB)“And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites.”God promised to meet with Moses above the mercy seat between the two cherubim on the ark.
- 1 Samuel 4:4 (BSB)“So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.”The ark is likewise linked to the LORD of Hosts who sits enthroned between the cherubim.
- Psalm 99:1 (BSB)“The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble! He is enthroned above the cherubim; let the earth quake!”The psalm confesses the reigning LORD enthroned above the cherubim.
General
What happened while the ark stayed with Obed-edom the Gittite and his family (1 Chronicles 13:13-14)?
Answer: God brought blessing on his family and on all his possessions
David did not take the ark on to his own city but turned aside to Obed-edom’s home. The ark remained there three months, during which the LORD poured out blessing on his family and all his possessions (13:13-14). The same holy presence that brought judgment on Uzzah brought blessing to Obed-edom’s home. Paul speaks of God as both kind and severe (Romans 11:22), and this chapter shows both. Afterward David and Israel’s leaders joyfully went to fetch the ark from Obed-edom’s home (15:25).
- 1 Chronicles 13:13-14 (BSB)“So he did not move the ark with him to the City of David; instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. Thus the ark of God remained with the family of Obed-edom in his house for three months, and the LORD blessed his household and everything he owned.”The ark stays with Obed-edom’s family for three months, and the LORD blesses his household.
- Romans 11:22 (BSB)“Take notice, therefore, of the kindness and severity of God: severity to those who fell, but kindness to you, if you continue in His kindness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.”Paul speaks of God’s kindness and severity, both displayed in this chapter.
- 1 Chronicles 15:25 (BSB)“So David, the elders of Israel, and the commanders of thousands went with rejoicing to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the house of Obed-edom.”David and the leaders later bring the ark up from Obed-edom’s house with rejoicing.
Theological
What was the result of the ark’s three-month stay with Obed-edom’s family (1 Chronicles 13:13-14)?
Answer: God brought blessing on his family and on all his possessions
Diverted from David’s city, the ark rests three months with Obed-edom’s family, and the LORD blesses his household and all he owns (13:13-14). The holy presence that struck Uzzah blesses Obed-edom: God’s kindness and His severity side by side (Romans 11:22). Later David returns with joy to fetch the ark from Obed-edom’s house (15:25).
- 1 Chronicles 13:13-14 (BSB)“So he did not move the ark with him to the City of David; instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. Thus the ark of God remained with the family of Obed-edom in his house for three months, and the LORD blessed his household and everything he owned.”The ark stays with Obed-edom’s family for three months, and the LORD blesses his household.
- Romans 11:22 (BSB)“Take notice, therefore, of the kindness and severity of God: severity to those who fell, but kindness to you, if you continue in His kindness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.”Paul speaks of God’s kindness and severity, both displayed in this chapter.
- 1 Chronicles 15:25 (BSB)“So David, the elders of Israel, and the commanders of thousands went with rejoicing to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the house of Obed-edom.”David and the leaders later bring the ark up from Obed-edom’s house with rejoicing.
General
How was the ark moved from Abinadab’s house, and how did the people celebrate (1 Chronicles 13:7-8)?
Answer: On a newly made cart steered by Uzzah and Ahio, amid music and celebration
They moved the ark out of Abinadab’s house on a newly made cart, which Uzzah and Ahio steered, while David and the whole nation celebrated in God’s presence with all their strength, singing and playing harps, lyres, trumpets, cymbals, and tambourines (13:7-8). The joy was real. But the Law had said that the holy objects were to be carried on the shoulders of Levites (Numbers 7:9), using poles placed through rings on the ark (Exodus 25:14-15). Two chapters later David says the LORD burst out against them because the Levites had been absent the first time, and this time the Levites bear the ark with poles resting on their shoulders, following Moses’ command (15:13-15).
- 1 Chronicles 13:7-8 (BSB)“So they carried the ark of God from the house of Abinadab on a new cart, with Uzzah and Ahio guiding the cart. David and all the Israelites were celebrating before God with all their might, with songs and on harps and lyres, with tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets.”The ark is carried on a new cart while all Israel celebrates with songs and instruments.
- Numbers 7:9 (BSB)“But he did not give any to the Kohathites, since they were to carry on their shoulders the holy objects for which they were responsible.”The Kohathites were to carry the holy objects on their shoulders rather than on carts.
- Exodus 25:14-15 (BSB)“Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, in order to carry it. The poles are to remain in the rings of the ark; they must not be removed.”The ark was built with poles for carrying, which were to stay in its rings.
- 1 Chronicles 15:13-15 (BSB)“It was because you Levites were not with us the first time that the LORD our God burst forth in anger against us. For we did not consult Him about the proper order.” So the priests and Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel. And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the LORD.”David links the LORD’s outburst to the Levites’ absence, and the Levites then carry the ark on their shoulders with poles.
Theological
How was the ark transported, and what was the people’s worship like (1 Chronicles 13:7-8)?
Answer: On a newly made cart steered by Uzzah and Ahio, amid music and celebration
The ark is placed on a newly built cart driven by Uzzah and Ahio, amid wholehearted worship with song and every kind of instrument (13:7-8). Zeal was not lacking. Yet the Law assigned the holy things to Levites carrying them on their shoulders (Numbers 7:9) by poles fixed in the ark’s rings (Exodus 25:14-15). In chapter 15 David ties the LORD’s outburst to the Levites’ absence the first time, and the Levites then bear the ark by poles upon their shoulders according to Moses’ command (15:13-15).
- 1 Chronicles 13:7-8 (BSB)“So they carried the ark of God from the house of Abinadab on a new cart, with Uzzah and Ahio guiding the cart. David and all the Israelites were celebrating before God with all their might, with songs and on harps and lyres, with tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets.”The ark is carried on a new cart while all Israel celebrates with songs and instruments.
- Numbers 7:9 (BSB)“But he did not give any to the Kohathites, since they were to carry on their shoulders the holy objects for which they were responsible.”The Kohathites were to carry the holy objects on their shoulders rather than on carts.
- Exodus 25:14-15 (BSB)“Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, in order to carry it. The poles are to remain in the rings of the ark; they must not be removed.”The ark was built with poles for carrying, which were to stay in its rings.
- 1 Chronicles 15:13-15 (BSB)“It was because you Levites were not with us the first time that the LORD our God burst forth in anger against us. For we did not consult Him about the proper order.” So the priests and Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel. And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the LORD.”David links the LORD’s outburst to the Levites’ absence, and the Levites then carry the ark on their shoulders with poles.
General
When the oxen stumbled and Uzzah grabbed the ark, why does the text say the LORD struck him down (1 Chronicles 13:9-10)?
Answer: Because he had touched the holy ark with his hand
At Chidon’s threshing floor the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah stretched out his hand and grabbed the ark. The LORD’s anger blazed against him, and God struck him dead for touching the ark; Uzzah died there in God’s presence (13:9-10). The judgment was sudden and severe. The ark was the throne of the holy God among His people (13:6). Holy means utterly pure and set apart. The Law had warned that even the Levites who carried the holy objects must not touch them, or they would die (Numbers 4:15). Chapter 13 gives Uzzah’s touch as the reason; later David also says the LORD burst out against them because the Levites had been absent the first time and they had not sought His direction on the right way to move it (15:13). Uzzah was responsible for his own act, and God, who is always righteous, judged rightly. Hebrews calls believers to worship God reverently and with awe, since He is a fire that consumes (Hebrews 12:28-29).
- 1 Chronicles 13:9-10 (BSB)“When they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, 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.”Uzzah grasps the ark when the oxen stumble, and the LORD strikes him down for touching it.
- Numbers 4:15 (BSB)“When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting.”The Law forbade even the Kohathite carriers to touch the holy objects, or they would die.
- 1 Chronicles 15:13 (BSB)“It was because you Levites were not with us the first time that the LORD our God burst forth in anger against us. For we did not consult Him about the proper order.””David later explains that the LORD burst forth because the Levites were not with them the first time and He had not been consulted about the proper order.
- Hebrews 12:28-29 (BSB)“Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. “For our God is a consuming fire.””Believers are called to worship with reverence and awe because God is a consuming fire.
Theological
What reason does 13:10 give for the LORD’s striking down of Uzzah?
Answer: Because he had touched the holy ark with his hand
When the oxen stumble, Uzzah grasps the ark, and the LORD’s anger burns against him; He strikes him dead, because he touched the ark with his hand (13:9-10). The judgment is sudden and severe. The ark is the throne of the holy LORD (13:6), and the Law had expressly forbidden even the Kohathites to touch the holy things on pain of death (Numbers 4:15). Chapter 13 names Uzzah’s touch as the cause; David’s later explanation adds that the Levites were absent the first time and the LORD had not been consulted about the right way to move it (15:13). God’s judgment is just, Uzzah’s act is his own, and the holiness of God governs how He is to be approached. Under the new covenant believers still worship this same God reverently and with awe, since He is a fire that consumes (Hebrews 12:28-29).
- 1 Chronicles 13:9-10 (BSB)“When they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, 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.”Uzzah grasps the ark when the oxen stumble, and the LORD strikes him down for touching it.
- Numbers 4:15 (BSB)“When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting.”The Law forbade even the Kohathite carriers to touch the holy objects, or they would die.
- 1 Chronicles 15:13 (BSB)“It was because you Levites were not with us the first time that the LORD our God burst forth in anger against us. For we did not consult Him about the proper order.””David later explains that the LORD burst forth because the Levites were not with them the first time and He had not been consulted about the proper order.
- Hebrews 12:28-29 (BSB)“Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. “For our God is a consuming fire.””Believers are called to worship with reverence and awe because God is a consuming fire.