Lexical Summary Perets Uzzah: Perez Uzzah Original Word: פֶרֶץ עֻזָּא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Perez-uzza From perets and Uzza'; break of Uzza; Perets-Uzza, a place in Palestine -- Perez-uzza. see HEBREW perets see HEBREW Uzza' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Perets and Uzza Definition a place near Jer. NASB Translation Perez-uzza (1), Perez-uzzah (1). Topical Lexicon Biblical Setting Perez-Uzzah appears twice in Scripture, both times in connection with the death of Uzzah during the transport of the Ark of the Covenant from Kiriath-jearim to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:8; 1 Chronicles 13:11). Following Uzzah’s unauthorized touch of the Ark, “the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down there for his irreverence” (1 Chronicles 13:10). King David halted the procession and marked the location with the name Perez-Uzzah, literally “breaking out against Uzzah,” memorializing the divine judgment that occurred. Historical Context The incident took place early in David’s reign, when he sought to make Jerusalem the political and spiritual center of Israel. The Ark had remained in obscurity at Kiriath-jearim since the Philistine crisis of 1 Samuel 4–7. David’s desire to restore proper worship was commendable, yet the transport did not follow the Mosaic prescriptions (Numbers 4:15; Deuteronomy 10:8). Instead of Levites bearing the Ark on poles, it was placed on a new cart driven by Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab. This deviation from divine instruction set the stage for the tragedy at Perez-Uzzah. Theological Significance 1. Holiness and Reverence: Perez-Uzzah stands as a lasting reminder that God’s holiness is non-negotiable. Even well-intentioned acts are unacceptable when they disregard revealed commands. Liturgical and Practical Lessons • Worship must be regulated by Scripture rather than human innovation. Geographical Note Perez-Uzzah was located near the threshing floor of Nachon (2 Samuel 6:6) or Kidon (1 Chronicles 13:9), likely on the route from Kiriath-jearim to Jerusalem. Though its precise coordinates are uncertain, its remembrance “to this day” (2 Samuel 6:8) underscores its notoriety in Israel’s collective memory. Comparative References • Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-3) illustrate a parallel breach in worship protocol. Christological Foreshadowing Perez-Uzzah magnifies the gulf between sinful humanity and a holy God—a gulf ultimately bridged by the atoning work of Jesus Christ. Where Uzzah died for violating holiness, Christ died to uphold it and to bring “many sons to glory” (Hebrews 2:10). The episode therefore accentuates the necessity of a perfect Mediator. Application for Ministry • Guard the integrity of corporate worship by adhering to biblical patterns. Cross References Leviticus 10:1-3; Numbers 4:15; Deuteronomy 10:8; 2 Samuel 6:6-12; 1 Chronicles 13:9-14; 1 Chronicles 15:1-15; Hebrews 2:10; Acts 5:1-11 Forms and Transliterations עֻזָּ֔א עֻזָּ֔ה עזא עזה ‘uz·zā ‘uz·zāh ‘uzzā ‘uzzāh uzZa uzZahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 6:8 HEB: הַהוּא֙ פֶּ֣רֶץ עֻזָּ֔ה עַ֖ד הַיּ֥וֹם NAS: is called Perez-uzzah to this KJV: the name of the place Perezuzzah to this day. INT: place he Perez-uzzah against day 1 Chronicles 13:11 2 Occurrences |