And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled.

1 CHRONICLES 13:9KJV
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1 Chronicles 13:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 13:9 mean?

1 Chronicles 13:9 describes the moment when Uzza reached out his hand to steady the ark of the covenant because the oxen pulling the cart stumbled as they came to the threshing floor of Chidon. This action happened during King David’s attempt to bring the ark back to Jerusalem.

The verse sets the scene with David and a large group transporting the ark, a sacred object, on a cart. As they arrive at a place called Chidon’s threshing floor, the oxen carrying the ark trip, and Uzza instinctively grabs the ark to prevent it from falling. This moment is significant because it leads to a dramatic event in the next verse, highlighting the seriousness of handling the ark.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 13:9

  • "Threshingfloor" (גֹּרֶן, goren): This word refers to a flat, open area where grain was separated from chaff. The mention of a threshing floor marks a specific, well-known location, often a public or communal space, which adds to the visibility and significance of the event.
  • "Hold" (אָחַז, 'achaz): This word means to grasp or seize. Uzza’s action is not casual; it is a deliberate attempt to take hold of the ark, which was strictly forbidden according to the law.
  • "Ark" (אָרוֹן, aron): This refers to the ark of the covenant, the most sacred object in Israel’s worship, symbolizing God’s presence. The use of this word underscores the seriousness of Uzza’s action.
  • "Stumbled" (שָׁמַט, shamat): This word means to slip or stumble. The oxen’s stumbling is the immediate cause of Uzza’s reaction, showing that the event was sudden and unexpected.

Why 1 Chronicles 13:9 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Uzza’s action was a response to a real danger—the ark seemed about to fall because the oxen stumbled, not out of disrespect or carelessness.
  • This moment sets up the next verse, where Uzza’s action leads to his death, emphasizing the holiness of the ark and the importance of following God’s instructions for handling it.
  • The detail about the threshing floor and the stumbling oxen helps readers understand that this was a public, dramatic event, not a private mistake, highlighting the seriousness with which the ark was to be treated.

Where else these words appear

“stumbled” Hebrew H8058 · used in 8 verses

  • Exodus 23:11 But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat: and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard, and with thy oliveyard.
  • Deuteronomy 15:3 Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it again: but that which is thine with thy brother thine hand shall release;
  • 2 Kings 9:33 And he said, Throw her down. So they threw her down: and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and he trode her under foot.

“Uzza” Hebrew H5798 · used in 14 verses

  • 2 Samuel 6:3 And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.
  • 2 Kings 21:18 And Manasseh slept with his fathers, and was buried in the garden of his own house, in the garden of Uzza: and Amon his son reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Chronicles 13:7 And they carried the ark of God in a new cart out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart.

“threshingfloor” Hebrew H1637 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 50:10 And they came to the threshingfloor of Atad, which is beyond Jordan, and there they mourned with a great and very sore lamentation: and he made a mourning for his father seven days.
  • Ruth 3:14 And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor.
  • 1 Chronicles 21:22 Then David said to Ornan, Grant me the place of this threshingfloor, that I may build an altar therein unto the LORD: thou shalt grant it me for the full price: that the plague may be stayed from the people.

“hold” Hebrew H270 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 22:13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
  • 2 Samuel 2:21 And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armour. But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him.
  • Psalms 48:6 Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail.