(6) В¶ 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. (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.
It is not very easy to account for this awful judgment, any further than that Uzzah's touching the ark had been expressly forbidden by the Lord, and the punishment was said to be death. See Numbers 4:15. The sons of Kohath were to bear it, but not to touch any holy thing. Whereas Uzzah did not bear it; but touched it thus reversing the commandment. But, it will be said, perhaps, in extenuation of his sin: was not, the ark in danger of falling, had he not done as he did? To this it must be answered, that is nothing to the softening Uzzah's positive disobedience of the Lord's command. The ark of God needs not an arm of flesh to keep it from falling. But, Reader, let the offence beside be what it may, Uzzah dies for his presumption. And let it teach us this solemn lesson: how awful the Lord is, and how dreadful to offend. Oh! thou blessed Jesus! what eternal thanks are due to thee for thy gracious interposing in salvation work, that thy people die not everlastingly.