The LORD’s anger burned against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his error; and he died there by God’s ark.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 7. Rashness. Hebrew shal, means also “error, ignorance,” and so forth Syr. and Arab. better, “because he put forth his hand.” Kennicott.—Oza had touched the ark uncovered, (Serarius) shewing too little confidence in God, as if he could not have hindered it from falling; (Rabbins) or perhaps he was the advisor of the ark’s being placed upon a cart, instead of the Levites’ shoulders. Tirinus.—It is not certain that he was a Levite; and the privilege belonged to the sons of Caath, who could claim this honour only after the ark had bee folded up with three covers. Moreover, the priests seem to have been always selected to carry the ark, after they came into the promised land, verse 3, 1 Kennicott. 4:4. and so forth It is hoped that the fault of Oza would be expiated by his sudden death, ( Calmet.) as his intention was laudable. Tirinus.—But God would teach his ministers with what caution they were to treat sacred things, ( Calmet.) and how exactly all his injunctions were to be observed. Bible.