Original Word: שַׁל
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: shal
Pronunciation: shahl
Phonetic Spelling: (shal)
KJV: error
NASB: irreverence
Word Origin: [from H7952 (שָׁלָה - To be at ease) abbreviated]

1. a fault

error

From shalah abbrev.; a fault -- error.

see HEBREW shalah

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
perhaps error
NASB Translation
irreverence (1).

שַׁל in לְַהַֿשַּׁל 2 Samuel 6:7 is disputed; ᵐ5^B omitted; A ᵐ5^L τῇ προπετείᾳ, for his hastiness (probably from Aramaic; compare = suddenly), ᵑ9 temeritate; Targun על דאשתלי because he acted in error (Aramaic שְׁלִי, שְׁלָא err: see Biblical Aramaic שָׁלוּ), hence AV RV for his error; < Th We Dr Bu Now fragm. of [ח יָדוֺ עַל] שָׁלַ [אֲשֶׁר] עַל, "" 1 Chronicles 13:10.

Canonical Occurrence

“And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down there for his irreverence; and he died there beside the ark of God.” (2 Samuel 6:7)

Historical Setting

After decades in the house of Abinadab, the ark of God was being moved toward Jerusalem on a new cart (2 Samuel 6:1–5). The procession was festive, but it ignored the transport commands given in Numbers 4:15, where the Kohathites were to carry the ark by its poles. When the oxen stumbled, Uzzah reached out to steady the ark and was struck down “for his irreverence” (שַׁל). The tragedy halted the celebration, sent the ark to the house of Obed-Edom, and produced in David both fear and renewed zeal to follow divine instruction (2 Samuel 6:8–13).

Theological Emphasis

1. Holiness of God: Uzzah’s “shal” demonstrates that sincere motives cannot override God’s explicit word. The sacred may not be treated as common (Leviticus 10:1–3; Numbers 4:20).
2. Obedience over expedience: The new cart was a Philistine innovation (1 Samuel 6:7–8) never sanctioned for Israel. God’s displeasure with “shal” warns against borrowing worldly methods for spiritual tasks.
3. Righteous Anger and Mercy: Divine wrath fell instantly, yet blessing soon rested on Obed-Edom (2 Samuel 6:11). Judgment and mercy meet in the same narrative, underscoring the balance of God’s attributes.

Doctrinal Themes

• Fear of the LORD: Reverence is not optional in worship (Proverbs 1:7).
• Sanctity of Worship: Proper handling of holy things reflects the unchanging moral fabric of God’s law (Hebrews 12:28–29).
• Covenant Responsibility: Leaders bear special accountability; David’s initial oversight precipitated the incident (1 Chronicles 15:11–15).

Practical Ministry Insights

• Planning church worship or ministry initiatives must begin with Scripture, not convenience.
• Handling the ordinances—baptism, the Lord’s Table—in a casual manner parallels Uzzah’s “shal” and invites discipline (1 Corinthians 11:29–32).
• Leadership training should emphasize that zeal without knowledge can harm the flock (Romans 10:2).

Related Biblical Concepts

• Nadab and Abihu’s unauthorized fire (Leviticus 10:1–2)
• Beth-shemesh men who looked into the ark (1 Samuel 6:19)
• Ananias and Sapphira’s deceit (Acts 5:1–11)

Christological Perspective

The ark prefigures the incarnate presence of God; only in Christ can humanity safely draw near (John 1:14; Hebrews 10:19–22). Uzzah’s death shows the peril of approaching God apart from the ordained mediator, pointing forward to the necessity of the atoning work of Jesus Christ.

Summary

שַׁל (shal) marks the lone but potent reminder that irreverent familiarity with the holy provokes divine judgment. The account of Uzzah calls every generation to honor God’s holiness, obey His revealed will, and approach His presence through the ordained means He has provided.

הַשַּׁ֑ל השל haš·šal hashShal haššalInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts