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1 Chronicles Chapter 13 (ESV)
5 So David assembled all Israel from the Nile of Egypt to Lebo-hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim. 6 And David and all Israel went up to Baalah, that is, to Kiriath-jearim that belongs to Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the Lord who sits enthroned above the cherubim. 7 And they carried the ark of God on a new cart, from the house of Abinadab, and Uzzah and Ahio were driving the cart. 8 And David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, with song and lyres and harps and tambourines and cymbals and trumpets.
9 And when they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah put out his hand to take hold of the ark, for the oxen stumbled. 10 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark, and he died there before God. 11 And David was angry because the Lord had broken out against Uzzah. And that place is called Perez-uzza to this day. 12 And David was afraid of God that day, and he said, “How can I bring the ark of God home to me?” 13 So David did not take the ark home into the city of David, but took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 14 And the ark of God remained with the household of Obed-edom in his house three months. And the Lord blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that he had.
REFLECTION:
- Uzzah was killed because he put out his hand to take hold of the ark and committed a deadly sin. God had recorded clear rules of carrying the ark in the Pentateuch (Num 4:5-15). God commanded that the ark has to be carried by Levites (the Bible does not mention whether Uzzah was a Levite) on the shoulder with the two poles inserted through the two gold rings on each side of the ark (Num 7:9). Humans must not touch the ark with their hands. Uzzah had not sanctified himself before serving and he caused the wrath of God.
- On the other hand, the Lord blessed the household of Obed-edom when the ark was there. This shows the two sides of God’s mightiness: He is love and He is also righteous. He gives blessing to those who obey Him and punishes those who disobey Him. God’s punishment could come quickly or it could be delayed. In any case, it will ultimately come. Sometimes we only focus on God’s blessing and we forget the Bible says “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb 10:31). However, other times we over-emphasize on God’s judgment and forget about His blessings. We should not look at God’s work superficially. If we want God’s blessing, we have to bear the responsibilities and lead a holy and righteous life according to His Word. Reflect on whether you know of God’s different attributes? Is it more important to obey God’s will or to act according to your passion?
PRAYER:
Pray that God not only will give you the passion to serve Him but also a humble and obedient heart. As you lead a holy and victorious life on earth, you can come before the future judgment of God without fear.
