July 1 | 2 Samuel 6:1-15

Pamela Mann
Jun 30
3 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

Back to Basics

By Pam Mann

This is a disturbing passage. Why does God’s anger burn against Uzzah, the guy who reaches out to keep the ark of the covenant from falling off the ox cart? Is he supposed to let it fall? No. The ark is never meant to be on an ox cart in the first place. The Law is clear that the ark is only to be transported on rods held by Levite priests. This way the ark is not subject to stumbling oxen, is it?

Now, we have another question. Why does David ignore the clear command of the Lord? If you look in the previous passage, there David is carefully listening to God for guidance on any military campaign. So, how then does King David make this misstep which proves fatal to Uzzah? David has gathered 30,000 to attend the entrance of the ark into Jerusalem. He has organized the best band in the land to celebrate in full style. And yet David neglects to heed key instruction on moving the ark!

Here's another issue. Possibly Abinadab, Uzzah’s father, is a Levite, and this is why the ark is stored at his house. (See 1 Sam. 7:1.) Why does a Levite then not remind the king of the clear instruction of the Law? It’s a mystery. But, as a result of the presumption of folks who should know better, we now have an account which highlights God’s holiness. Bottom line: Don’t mess with God.

God is the holy Lord Almighty whom we serve. His laws are not suggestions. His help is not for those who presume they know best. Even if in the past, God’s servants knew and honored God, that past relationship is not a present permission to presume His blessing in whatever they do now.

God is looking for humble people who keep coming to Him. My granny would say that David

just got too big for his britches. 2 Samuel doesn’t tell what David or Uzzah are thinking, but God’s harshness indicates that He knows their misguided motivations. If we learn from Uzzah’s story, we won’t be like my pothos plant that starts out with a thin stem and small leaves. When the vining plant is well watered, fertilized, and well support in its growth, the new leaves can grow several times larger than the original leaves near the soil. Likewise, the stem grows much thicker than its humble beginning near the soil. It ends up with heavy thin growth that still has only a tiny connection to its roots. Perhaps in this matter, David is like my pothos plant, forgetting to return to the Lord and recall His commands. As the keeper of the pothos plant, I can bring the thick, large-leafed extremity of the vine back to its pot. Next to each leaf, there is a node which I can pin to the soil surface. From that node, now returned to its origin, new roots will form.

PRAYER

Lord, let us learn from Uzzah’s death to honor You as holy. Keep us returning to You, the source of life. Let us live ever mindful to the basics of our relationship in You.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

PAM MANN

I first joined UALC when my husband (then my fiancé) and I were college students involved in youth ministry. God has used UALC to nurture our family’s faith, even in our years outside the U.S. I’ve participated in UALC ministries with kids, art, prayer, exercise, ESL, and Bible teaching. I do all the fun church things.