2 Samuel 6:8
ESV
And David was angry because the Lord had broken out against Uzzah. And that place is called Perez-uzzah to this day.
NIV
Then David was angry because the Lord’s wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah.
NASB
Then David became angry because of the Lord’S outburst against Uzzah; and that place has been called Perez-uzzah to this day.
CSB
David was angry because of the Lord’s outburst against Uzzah, so he named that place Outburst Against Uzzah, as it is today.
NLT
David was angry because the Lord’s anger had burst out against Uzzah. He named that place Perez-uzzah (which means 'to burst out against Uzzah'), as it is still called today.
KJV
And David was displeased, because the Lord had made a breach upon Uzzah: and he called the name of the place Perezuzzah to this day.
NKJV
And David became angry because of the Lord’s outbreak against Uzzah; and he called the name of the place Perez Uzzah to this day.
What does 2 Samuel 6:8 mean?
David has established his capital in Jerusalem and now wants the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:10–22) to join him. When the Israelites entered the Promised Land, they set up the tabernacle in Shiloh and put the ark in the innermost room (Joshua 18:1). Since then, the ark has been captured, returned, moved, and taken into battle (1 Samuel 4:11; 6:1–21; 14:18). The tabernacle and the altar are in Gibeon, but David wants ark near him.Unfortunately, David doesn't transport it correctly. Only Levites are authorized to move it, and only by hand, carrying it by long poles (Deuteronomy 10:8). David puts it in an ox cart. When the cart jostles, Uzzah puts a hand on the ark to stop it from falling and God kills him immediately (2 Samuel 6:1–7).
David reacts first with anger, then with fear (2 Samuel 6:9). His anger is understandable: a good man has died doing what seemed right. David may also wonder why God "broke out" in judgment during a celebration meant to honor Him, with thousands singing and making music before the ark (1 Chronicles 13:5; 2 Samuel 6:5).
The problem isn't the size of David's worship but his disregard for God's commands. God's people often think He values grand displays of devotion more than simple obedience. That is never the case (1 Samuel 15:22). David names the place "Perez-uzzah," meaning "breaking out against Uzzah." Whether he intended to honor Uzzah or not, the name reminds everyone that God prizes obedience over both sacrifice and celebration (1 Samuel 15:22).
