To Touch A Holy Thing.

In my study of the history of Israel in the "Old Covenant" I came upon 1 Chronicles 13:9-12.

1Chronicles 13:9 and when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled. 13:10 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God. 13:11 And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perezuzza to this day. 13:12 And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?

A study of the entire Chapter 13, tells the whole story. My point today is to glean from this incident adequate warning for all of us as we handle Holy things of God. More precisely, does this incident with Uzza cast a shadow of a reverential fear and caution as we handle the Word of God....In what ways?
 
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In my study of the history of Israel in the "Old Covenant" I came upon 1 Chronicles 13:9-12.

1Chronicles 13:9 and when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled. 13:10 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God. 13:11 And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perezuzza to this day. 13:12 And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?

A study of the entire Chapter 13, tells the whole story. My point today is to glean from this incident adequate warning for all of us as we handle Holy things of God. More precisely, does this incident with Uzza cast a shadow of a reverential fear and caution as we handle the Word of God....In what ways?
This would be amazing topic to discuss Chopper :D I think there is plenty of application from this scripture. So much to learn..

I once heard RC Sproul preach on it.. Made lot of sense.. Sin always starts with what's in the heart.. The outward actions may not clearly portray what's in the heart. While the action itself might look like a good thing, the intentions in the heart is what Lord would look at. The sin of Uzza is that, he thought his hands are holier than the earth to hold the ark. He thought he is "holy enough" to hold the ark.

I personally believe, this might have been culmination of this attitude through his life. We do not know that. If this was just one off attitude shown by him or he live his life all along and crossed the border with this. What I draw from this incident is, do I have a humble heart. Do I realize what I am and who I am? Made out of dust and born out of sin. Living purely by the grace of God. I deserve nothing. This incident brings a gentle and strong reminder on that fact!
 
Thank you Ravindran. That's an excellent reply. As I was contemplating on this incident, I couldn't help to question my own heart when I pick up the Holy Bible to study. My preaching days are over for the most part at the age of 75 but when I do handle the Word of God to help someone, I must admit that this study has made a profound impact on my heart and mind to "Handle With Care" and deep reverence.
 
Thank you Ravindran. That's an excellent reply. As I was contemplating on this incident, I couldn't help to question my own heart when I pick up the Holy Bible to study. My preaching days are over for the most part at the age of 75 but when I do handle the Word of God to help someone, I must admit that this study has made a profound impact on my heart and mind to "Handle With Care" and deep reverence.
I am also amazed by David's reaction! First he is angry.. Then he is afraid.. I wonder what was he angry about.. Was he angry with Uzza or Lord?
 
this incident with Uzza cast a shadow of a reverential fear and caution as we handle the Word of God....In what ways?
2Co 4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2Co 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
 
This would be amazing topic to discuss Chopper :D I think there is plenty of application from this scripture. So much to learn..

I once heard RC Sproul preach on it.. Made lot of sense.. Sin always starts with what's in the heart.. The outward actions may not clearly portray what's in the heart. While the action itself might look like a good thing, the intentions in the heart is what Lord would look at. The sin of Uzza is that, he thought his hands are holier than the earth to hold the ark. He thought he is "holy enough" to hold the ark.

I personally believe, this might have been culmination of this attitude through his life. We do not know that. If this was just one off attitude shown by him or he live his life all along and crossed the border with this. What I draw from this incident is, do I have a humble heart. Do I realize what I am and who I am? Made out of dust and born out of sin. Living purely by the grace of God. I deserve nothing. This incident brings a gentle and strong reminder on that fact!
I don't think it had to do with the condition of his heart. I believe it had to do with lack of obedience. He was not allowed to touch the ark, that was a very strict command from God. His heart could have been coming simply from a place of concern for the ark's safety, we don't know the condition of his heart. Regardless, of the reason he paid for his disobedience.
 
The "arch of the covenant" was never suppose to be carried in a cart, but upon the shoulders of the " Levites". If they had carried the arch how the Lord told them to, the possibility of touching it would not have happened. How we carry, and handle the Word of God in us is also extremely important.
 
I don't think it had to do with the condition of his heart. I believe it had to do with lack of obedience. He was not allowed to touch the ark, that was a very strict command from God. His heart could have been coming simply from a place of concern for the ark's safety, we don't know the condition of his heart. Regardless, of the reason he paid for his disobedience.
Nothing much to debate here.. But when we look at other incidents in Bible, it might be doubtful if we can come to this conclusion. Think of David eating holy bread. When Jesus quotes the same in NT, it sort of indicates that David did break the law. If Uzza's heart was really right, then would God not have extended His mercy? We are talking about Holy God. But we are also talking about God of mercy. That's why I am inclined the other way. But I am not putting my foot and saying what you said is wrong :) Just a different perspective
 
I am also amazed by David's reaction! First he is angry.. Then he is afraid.. I wonder what was he angry about.. Was he angry with Uzza or Lord?
David was at fault. He didn't know the word of God! Leviticus explains how to move the ark. It was a joyous moment ruined my a death which brought frustration to David which is why he said "how am I gonna get this home!?" He didn't take the time to investigate from the word of God how to deal with something from God and it was mishandled. The whole process was marred by ignorance. I take from this whole story about my own life and how I may believe something but it's not in the word of God or not believe something that is in the word of God. The more I learn from the word the more I can apply it to my life and things that have bothered me since my teens are vanishing through knowledge.

Hosea 4:6 (KJV)
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.​

The word of God isn't just a collection of stories, but of real life applications, if only applied :)
 
I think he was angry with Uzza.
Like Chopper said, my thinking is he was angry at Lord.. I am only saying this based on the next reaction.. He is afraid of Lord.. If he was just angry at Uzza, he might have actually moved on.. I think David is not having a clear understanding of why Lord should strike Uzza down. We see what it means to bring the ark. It is such a big thing. David is going with his full heart. But then Lord strikes Uzza down. So first David is angry. Then he is afraid of moving ahead. If he had only understood what was done wrong to see wrath of God, he would have thought about correcting it and moving ahead. Instead he just stopped the whole thing. Just my 2 cents
 
Like Chopper said, my thinking is he was angry at Lord.. I am only saying this based on the next reaction.. He is afraid of Lord.. If he was just angry at Uzza, he might have actually moved on.. I think David is not having a clear understanding of why Lord should strike Uzza down. We see what it means to bring the ark. It is such a big thing. David is going with his full heart. But then Lord strikes Uzza down. So first David is angry. Then he is afraid of moving ahead. If he had only understood what was done wrong to see wrath of God, he would have thought about correcting it and moving ahead. Instead he just stopped the whole thing. Just my 2 cents
Another good point. You have investigated this much more than I have lol. [emoji106]
 
Think how many times you're in a good mood, things are going well, you have peace with God and man, and *WAM!* something happens to ruin the moment. Confusion pops up, then anger at being robbed of the moment, then frustration on just what went wrong, then the self-blame, blaming others, etc. It's a vicious cycle. Well, it's what I got out of it :D
 
It is very easy to to get so "familiar" with the things of God that we become forgetful about the holiness, and Godly fear we are suppose to have at all times, which could lead to wrong actions.

Gal 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
 
I don't think it had to do with the condition of his heart. I believe it had to do with lack of obedience. He was not allowed to touch the ark, that was a very strict command from God. His heart could have been coming simply from a place of concern for the ark's safety, we don't know the condition of his heart. Regardless, of the reason he paid for his disobedience.

I agree with your statement. This was one of those spontaneous situations where Uzza had no time to stop and think about how his actions would be according to God's Commands, or a violation. Uzza did what probably I would have done. The ark, in Uzza's mind was going to topple, he simply tried to help.

An amazing truth about the Ark was it must have weighed more weight than one man could have made any difference. If it did topple, it would have busted up poor old Uzza....I'm from Maine, I call Uzza "Uzza tha looza" :ROFLMAO:
 
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