Uzzah's Folly

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from 2 Samuel 6:6-11; 1 Chronicles 13:9-14; Psalm 68; 1 Chronicles 15:1-14; Psalm 132

Here we read of the well known illustration of the dire importance of respecting God's authority and what it truly means to be pleasing to Him.

At the most casual read, it would seem a grossly unfair thing to happen to Uzzah, who seemed to have all the best intentions to steady the ark.
The bible is clear about the error of Uzzah (2Sa 6:7; 1Ch 13:10). Yet, one can't help but also realise that often, even innocent parties can be the victim of another's sins.
As we read on later in 1Chr 15, the error first committed on David's part was 3 fold -
(1) He did not seek God's advise, or turned a blind eye to God's previous instructions (1Chr 15:13)
(2) No one else, but the Levites should have supervised the move (1Chr 15:2;
(3) The authorised method was via human power on staves and not on a cart (1Chr 15:13; c.f. Ex 2:12-15)

If David had in the first place done as what God precisely required, Uzzah would not have died in this manner. (c.f. again 1Chr 15:13)

It is interesting how David responded at first instance :
2Sa 6:8 And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzzah: and he called the name of the place Perezuzzah to this day.
2Sa 6:9  And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?
1Ch 13:11  And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perezuzza to this day.
1Ch 13:12  And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?

Anger, frustration, fear are a few of the most common human reactions when faced with obstacles, especially when one seemingly is doing work for the Lord.
Yet, the solution God has provided had always been, is always and will always be 2 words - Trust, Obey
However sincere, however zealous, however magnificent, yea...however "right", all human attempts at pleasing God will come to nought if not according to God's will!
As Samuel exhorted us "...Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." (1 Sa 15:22)
The proverb writer hit home twice in Pro 14:12 and 16:25 -
"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."

It would be folly indeed to go about our way to establish righteousness on our terms! And just in case we think these are merely Old Testament examples in a bygone era, notice what Paul wrote in Rom 13:2-4
Rom 10:2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
Rom 10:3  For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
Rom 10:4  For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

Thus God's righteousness for us is to believe and render obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

David's question was finally answered when he realised the folly of his first attempt at bringing back the Ark. One can't help but notice the similar predicament felt by the apostles when they queried Jesus about the possibility (or impossibility!) of one being saved (c.f.Mat 19:24, 25, etc). Jesus' simple yet also deeply profound reply, repeated in the 3 gospel accounts is the crux of it all:
"...With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." (Mat 19:26b)
"...With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible." (Mar 10:27b)
"And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." (Luk 18:27)
As bro Demar Elam expressed it - Him-possible!

God has always provided the way. It is up to man to trust and obey.

Let us learn from these examples "written for our admonition" (1Co 10:11), and shy away from our own wisdom but continue to seek after God's righteousness in believing and obeying His will, for that is the only way man can be right and justified before Him.

The Lord bless our day ahead.

in Him
Paul

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But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. ~ 1Corinthians 16:2