Credible Theories
Hebrew Bible · 2 Samuel 6:6–7

The Ark kills Uzzah

Reference2 Samuel 6:6–7
Writtenc. 600–500 BCE
SetKing David, c. 1000 BCE
Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.

Translation: KJV

Read it literally

A gold-lined box that kills on contact, carried on poles, with special handling rules (Exodus 25). Also plagues the Philistines who capture it (1 Samuel 5). A device, not a relic.

What scholars say

Read as a story about ritual holiness and who may touch sacred objects.

Looks like technology

Quick answers about 2 Samuel 6:6–7

Where is 2 Samuel 6:6–7 found?

2 Samuel 6:6–7 (Hebrew Bible). Translation quoted: King James Version (1611; standard 1769 text), with Apocrypha.

When was 2 Samuel 6:6–7 written?

c. 600–500 BCE.

What do scholars say about 2 Samuel 6:6–7?

Read as a story about ritual holiness and who may touch sacred objects.

Rabbit holes in this passage

ObjectArk of the CovenantA gold-covered chest with two cherubim on its lid, built to exact specifications, that struck down those who touched it.PersonUzzahThe man who reached out to steady the Ark of the Covenant and dropped dead beside it.

Sources

  1. King James Version (1611; standard 1769 text), with ApocryphaPrimary text
  2. Exodus 25:10–22, King James VersionPrimary text
  3. 2 Samuel 6:1–11, King James VersionPrimary text

Scholarly dates are rounded. The wording follows the named public-domain translation.

Updated