Intro
The story of Uzzah and the Ark is an interesting look into the separation of God’s Holiness from human sinfulness, and it shows what Jesus has done for us. The background for this story comes from early in 1 Samuel. When Samuel was still young, the Ark of God was stolen from Israel by the Philistines. God persecuted the Philistines for the theft, and the Ark was returned to Israel. However, the Ark was left at Kiriath-Jearim, which is about ten miles west of Jerusalem.[1] (1 Samuel 4-7) David had a great desire to see the Ark of God returned to the people, but the best of intentions done outsides God’s law ends in death.
Map of the Route to Jerusalem
The Death of Uzzah: Good Intentions are not Enough for Holiness
God gave very specific and direct commends as to how His Ark was to be transported. The instructions are in Number 4:15 “the sons of Kohath shall come to carry these, but they must not touch the holy things, lest they die.” (Number 4:15, ESV). No one was to touch the Ark and to was to be carried on polls by those appointed to the job. When Uzzah reached for the Ark, he was doing what God has commanded not to be done. David had “good” intentions in wanting to bring the Ark to Jerusalem. Uzzah wanted to keep the Ark from falling. Uzzah had “good” intentions. However, intentions that are contrary to God’s commands are, in fact, evil. Both Uzzah and David ignored God’s commandments, and this cost Uzzah his life.
Jesus is our Holiness
Uzzah could never touch the Ark of God. No matter how well he kept the commandments or how much he desired to serve God, Uzzah was separated from God by sin. God is the thrice Holy God, and sin is abhorrent to him. No sinner can stand in his presence. Everyone one of us is in place of Uzzah. We are totally unable to reconcile ourselves to God because of our sin. In His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus becomes the righteousness of God for all that believe in Him as their Lord and Savior. A redeemed saint has a perfect standing with God. Moreover, as the Ark was how God lived with his people before Christ, now in Christ, God lives in each believer through the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion
When we read the story of Uzzah, it should lead us to a deeper appreciation for Jesus and what he did on our behalf. We can say, I am righteous before God because Jesus has taken our sin on Himself and given His righteousness to us. We call this imputation. Rejoice, today saint, you are right with God, and your sin will never be counted against you. More you have God living in you through the Spirit right now, giving you all the power needed to live a holy life before God.
[1] R. C. Sproul, ed., The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2015), 612.