Bible Dictionary
Uzzah
Uzzah was the son of Abinadab who touched the ark when the oxen stumbled while it was being transported to Jerusalem. He was struck dead, and the place was called Perez-uzzah.
Definition
Uzzah was a son of Abinadab, whose house at Kirjath-jearim sheltered the ark after its return from the Philistines. He accompanied his brother Ahio when David brought the ark toward Jerusalem.
Biblical Usage
When the oxen stumbled, Uzzah touched the ark to steady it and was struck dead. The place was named Perez-uzzah. David then feared to proceed and placed the ark in the house of Obed-edom.
Historical Background
The account attributes the event not only to Uzzah’s act but also to the improper transport of the ark, which should have been borne on the shoulders of the Levites.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Strength, a son of Abinadab, in whose house the men of Kirjath-jearim placed the ark when it was brought back from the land of the Philistines (1 Sam. 7:1). He with his brother Ahio drove the cart on which the ark was placed when David sought to bring it up to Jerusalem. When the oxen stumbled, Uzzah, in direct violation of the divine law (Num. 4:15), put forth his hand to steady the ark, and was immediately smitten unto death. The place where this occurred was henceforth called Perez-uzzah (1 Chr. 13:11). David on this feared to proceed further, and placed the ark in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite (2 Sam. 6:2-11; 1 Chr. 13:6-13).