Uzzah
maleUnited MonarchyMeaning: “Strength”
A man struck dead by God for steadying the ark of the covenant with his hand as it was carried, improperly, on a cart toward Jerusalem.
Biography
Uzzah was one of the sons of Abinadab, in whose house the ark of the covenant had rested for years. When David first sought to bring the ark to Jerusalem, it was placed — contrary to God's law — on a new cart, with Uzzah and his brother Ahio guiding it (2 Samuel 6:3).
The error and the judgment
When the oxen stumbled at the threshing floor of Nachon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark to steady it. "And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God" (2 Samuel 6:6–7). David was both afraid and displeased, and left the ark at the house of Obed-edom for three months.
A lesson in holiness
Uzzah's death taught Israel that the ark — the symbol of God's holy presence — was to be carried by the Levites on staves, exactly as God had commanded (1 Chronicles 15:13–15). When David finally brought it up properly, he did so with rejoicing.
Life Timeline
Struck dead for touching the ark of God
On the Bible timeline
Uzzah belongs to the The United Monarchy era (c. 1050 – 930 BC).
- c. 1010 – 970 BCDavid's Reign
- c. 966 BCSolomon's Temple Built
- c. 930 BCThe Kingdom Divides
Themes & lessons from Uzzah
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Uzzah appears.
People they appear with
Places in their story
Things in their story
Scripture Appearances
4 verses in 1 book2 Samuel4 verses
2 Samuel 6:3
And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart. set: Heb. made to ride Gibeah: or, the hill
2 Samuel 6:6
And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. shook it: or, stumbled
2 Samuel 6:7
And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God. error: or, rashness
2 Samuel 6:8
And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzzah: and he called the name of the place Perezuzzah to this day. made: Heb. broken Perezuzzah: that is, the breach of Uzzah
Frequently asked about Uzzah
Who was Uzzah in the Bible?
A man struck dead by God for steadying the ark of the covenant with his hand as it was carried, improperly, on a cart toward Jerusalem.
What does the name Uzzah mean?
The name Uzzah means “Strength”.
Where does Uzzah appear in the Bible?
Uzzah is mentioned 4 times across 1 book: 2 Samuel.
What can we learn from Uzzah?
The story of Uzzah touches on themes of ark of the covenant, kirjath-jearim, abinadab, ahio — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Uzzah's life.
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