The idea
David's men moved the Ark on an ox-cart instead of carrying it by its poles as the Law required, and when Uzzah reached out to steady it he was struck dead (p 48). David recoiled: 'How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?' That same holy dread is what Elizabeth voices before Mary. The Ark's untouchable holiness is the backdrop for reverence toward the new Ark.
Key verses
- 2 Samuel 6:6 — Uzzah struck down for touching the Ark (6:6–7), which David's men had put on a cart instead of carrying by its poles.
- 2 Samuel 6:9 — David: 'How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?'
- Luke 1:43 — 'why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?'
The connection
| Old Testament root | New Testament fulfilment | |
|---|---|---|
| David's dread before the Ark | → | Elizabeth's awe before Mary |
Uzzah died touching the Ark, and David asked in fear, 'How can the ark come to me?' Pitre points out Elizabeth speaks almost the same words to Mary — a signal that Luke wants us to feel the same holy reverence toward the new Ark.