The Covenant Box Is Brought to Jerusalem
1 Once more David called together the best soldiers in Israel, a total of thirty thousand men, 2 Ex 25.22and led them to Baalah6.2: Probable text (see 1 Ch 13.6) to Baalah; Hebrew from Baaley, or from the leaders. in Judah, in order to bring from there God’s Covenant Box, bearing the name of the Lord Almighty, whose throne is above the winged creatures.6.2: winged creatures: See Word List.3 1 S 7.1,2They took it from Abinadab’s home on the hill and placed it on a new cart. Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, were guiding the cart, 4 with Ahio walking in front. 5 David and all the Israelites were dancing and singing with all their might6.5: One ancient translation (and see 1 Ch 13.8) and singing with all their might; Hebrew with all the fir trees. to honor the Lord. They were playing harps, lyres, drums, rattles, and cymbals.
6 As they came to the threshing place of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out and took hold of the Covenant Box. 7 At once the Lord God became angry with Uzzah and killed him because of his irreverence.6.7: Probable text his irreverence; Hebrew unclear. Uzzah died there beside the Covenant Box, 8 and so that place has been called Perez Uzzah6.8: Perez Uzzah: This name in Hebrew means "Punishment of Uzzah." ever since. David was furious because the Lord had punished Uzzah in anger.
9 Then David was afraid of the Lord and said, "How can I take the Covenant Box with me now?" 10 So he decided not to take it with him to Jerusalem; instead, he turned off the road and took it to the house of Obed Edom, a native of the city of Gath. 11 1 Ch 26.4,5It stayed there three months, and the Lord blessed Obed Edom and his family.