2 Samuel 6:2
And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims. And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims.
The ark of God bears the name of the LORD of hosts whose presence dwells between the cherubim, and it is honored as the symbol of the divine presence. It contained God's holy law. David arose with all the people with him and gathered Israel to bring the ark from Baale of Judah toward the holy city, his city, after it had remained in Abinadab's house and Israel had long seen no such scene of triumph.
The removal began with solemn gladness, as David and all the house of Israel played before the Lord with exultant shouts and songs of rejoicing. A multitude of voices joined in melody with harps, psalteries, timbrels, cornets, and cymbals, while the vast procession wound through hills and valleys. David's first attempt moved the ark on a cart, and when Uzzah took hold of it at Nachon's threshingfloor, God smote him there and he was struck dead. That stroke turned the gladness to grief and mourning and brought sudden terror on the rejoicing throng.
David was astonished, greatly alarmed, and questioned God's justice, and being afraid and feeling it unsafe to have the ark near him, he did not bring it into his city but let it remain nearby at the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. The sacred ark must be treated with reverence, and distrustful presumption in touching it brings judgment. Its sacredness required reverence and obedience to God's instructions, since only a consecrated priest was permitted to touch it and purification and preparation were required.
The judgment on Uzzah showed that God guarded the law, and that treating it with disrespect is a serious offense against its Author. The law expresses God's love and perfect character, and it was ordained for life, though for the transgressor it brings death. Jesus honored the law and met its claims by dying for transgressions, so that people may be reconciled to God through his imputed righteousness and escape the punishment for disobedience.