Uzza’s Visa – A Leadership Blunder

1 Samuel 4 – The Israelites waged war against the Philistines. The Israelites were losing and so planned to bring the Ark of the Lord to the battle field. But surprisingly the Israelites still lost the battle as they didn’t inquire of the Lord on how to go about the war instead took their own ingenious stand. The Philistines carried away the Ark to their country. The Lord’s hand was heavy upon the Philistines and they realized that it’s because of the Ark of covenant which is in their country. Knowing the power of the God of Israel and His mighty acts in the past, the Philistines intended to send the Ark back to Israel with all respect. After consulting with their wise men they set up the Ark on a cart and sent it on the way to Israel, to a place called Beth Shemesh. From there the Ark of the Lord was taken to Kiriath Jearim and the Ark stayed there.

Later in 2 Samuel 5, David conquered Jerusalem and became King over Israel. In chapter 6, he initiated the return of the Ark of the Lord back to Jerusalem. What did he do? He called thirty thousand men and went to bring the Ark of God. He casually set the Ark of God on a new cart and brought it down from the hill. There was great rejoicing and the men were celebrating before the Ark with songs, lyres and tambourines.

Who is Uzza? – Uzza is one among the thirty thousand men David chose to bring the Ark of the Lord. He had the advantage of walking close to the cart. He and his brother “Ahio” were guiding the cart. Everything seemed to go pretty well until at one moment the oxen of the cart stumbled and Uzza reached out to take hold of the Ark from falling down. The Lord’s anger burned against Uzza for his irreverent act and struck him right there and he died. All the men were dumbstruck by this sudden disaster that came upon Uzza and panicked. The celebration was brought down to mourning because of this incident. David was afraid and didn’t know what to do and then said, “How can the ark of the Lord ever come to me?” (v9) – a question too late to be asked!

Did you notice David’s response? After sacrificing one of his men, he realizes the mistake he made. In Exodus 25:12, the Lord describes the design of the Ark where He commands Moses to place 4 rings, 2 on either sides of the Ark. A pole needs to be placed inside the rings and the Ark should be carried using the poles. This was God’s commandment and was followed ever since. During the fall of Jericho, God commanded Joshua to carry the Ark of the Lord around the wall. He obeyed and promptly employed priests to carry the Ark on its poles (Joshua 6:12).

Leadership matters – David didn’t realize the divinity of the Ark and the way it ought to be handled. He treated it with contempt by not following what God commanded. He learnt a lesson at the cost of Uzza’s life. It’s surprising to know after David realized his error, in v13 it says, “When those carrying the Ark had taken six steps he sacrificed a bull and a calf” which means he employed priests to carry the Ark, the way it should be done. Anyways his former negligence resulted in the death of one of his valuable men, Uzza.

Isn’t daunting to know how we leaders need to watch our every step. It’s a call to all fathers, mothers, church leaders, husbands, wives, managers, team leads and all who are in a responsible position, to understand their responsibilities. A small slip could result in a big blunder, especially in matters of God, we need to be further watchful. Everyone is called to be a leader and knowingly or unknowingly people are watching us. The way we conduct ourselves is pivotal in living a Christian life. Only a constant relationship with God can mould us and impart Godly characters in us.

If we fail, it may prove fatal. So let’s look onto God for conducting ourselves as good leaders in the place we are.

Lord Jesus, thank you for reminding my responsibility as a leader. Help me to watch my ways and guide others in the right way. Amen