2 Samuel 6:6-7

And when they came to Nachon’s threshing floor, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. Then the anger of the Lord was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his error; and he died there by the ark of God.
2 Samuel 6:6-7

When we read passages like this, it’s easy to become confused as to why God would strike down someone who was trying to do good. Uzzah acted in a way as to protect the ark of God by trying to steady it. Instead, he was not met with thanks but with death. Why would God take out such anger on someone who is trying to do good? It would seem that a loving Father would have known his intentions and could have given him a pass for touching the ark. Instead, we see the full force and anger of God in two verses, and they hit pretty hard to anyone who reads them.

One must remember that God is just, and His ways are perfect, even if they don’t seem to be in the moment. When God gives us direction, it is not a suggestion but a command to be obeyed. The ark was never supposed to be transported by anyone other than the Levites. David put his men in harm’s way by ignoring that command, to begin with when he sent them to retrieve the ark. From another angle, we can also see that the verses say the “oxen stumbled.” It does not say the ark actually fell. Sometimes, we get impatient and try to help out God when we think He needs our help. As if He ever does! Our prayers should be that God will increase our patience and our obedience. Let’s rest in His power.

God Bless,
Paul Provencio