The Beginning:
After becoming established as king, David gathered a large assembly of Israel to bring the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim toward his capital. The ark, which represented God’s covenant presence among his people, had remained there for years. David’s plan was celebratory and public, marked by music and rejoicing.
The Middle:
They transported the ark on a new cart, driven by Uzzah and Ahio. As the procession moved along, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the ark. The Lord’s anger was kindled against Uzzah, and he died there beside the ark. David was distressed and afraid, and he questioned how the ark could come to him under such circumstances.
The End:
David halted the journey and would not bring the ark into Jerusalem at that time. Instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite, where it remained for three months. During that period, the Lord blessed Obed-edom and his household.
This account highlights the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching him on his terms, not merely with sincere intentions. The ark was not a common object but a sacred sign of God’s covenant presence, and Israel had been given instructions about how it was to be handled. The story therefore underscores that true worship includes both joyful celebration and reverent obedience, and that God’s presence is a gift that must not be treated casually.
In the ancient Near East, sacred objects were often moved in processions, sometimes on carts; however, Israel’s law distinguished the ark by requiring it to be carried by Levites using poles (cf. Exodus 25:14; Numbers 4:15). The use of a cart in this narrative reflects a practice known in the region but stands in tension with Israel’s own covenantal handling of holy items, sharpening the story’s emphasis on reverence and prescribed worship.
“Uzzah reached out to the ark of God and took hold of it.” — 2 Samuel 6:6
Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.
1. What happened when the oxen stumbled as the ark was being transported?
2. Where did David take the ark after halting the journey to Jerusalem?