When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. 2 Samuel 6:6
Uzzah's death is somewhat perplexing. Why would God strike him dead for reaching out his hand to keep the ark of the covenant from falling to the ground? Would it be more reverent to witness the ark as it smashed to bits?
The ark of the covenant had been in the home of Uzzah's father for nearly a century. He had to knew better. No one was to touch it!. God sees the heart; He knew Uzzah's thoughts. Could it be that Uzzah had grown to see the ark as a mere piece of furniture in his father's household?
More perplexing than Uzzah's death is something that isn't as obvious at first glance: Why was the ark being moved on a new cart drawn by oxen? The is the manner in which the Philistines sent it back to Israel. Is this how the Israelites should treat it?
The ark was designed to be carried by the priests. Every time it went before the nation of Israel - either through the desert, across the Jordan River, or into some great battle - the ark was carried. Why now had David decided to move the ark as one would move a piece of furniture?
David was angered by Uzzah's death. Then he grew afraid. I wonder if he came to realize his part in this untimely incident. Obviously, he learned something from this. When he commanded that the ark be moved again on the final leg of its journey to Jerusalem, it was carried by men - not by oxen.
Lord, help me to always show proper reverence for the articles of Your temple. Today, You dwell within the hearts of men. The articles of worship are our very bodies. Do I take care of myself as I should? Do I honor others? We are more than mere furniture! Teach me Your ways, so I might follow.