Uzza Smote By God

1 Chronicles 13
9 And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled.
10 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.

This is the passage that puts the fear of God in me. Uzza is trying to do right. And God smotes him.

More From 1 Chronicles 13
12 And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?

God's punishment seems to be arbitrary, even unjust.

Still More From 1 Chronicles 13
13 So David brought not the ark home to himself to the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.
14 And the ark of God remained with the family of Obededom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obededom, and all that he had.

Maybe the lesson here is - we do not take God seriously enough. Do not question his actions, do not question his soveveignty.