Ask Questions of AI Database of 50 Maranatha Media Books

Posted Sep 17, 2025 by Danutasn Brown in General

Sometimes we have a question or want to review an issue, but can't remember where it is in all of our publications. Somebody made a NotebookLM AI of 50 Maranatha Media books that helps with this very issue. It takes some time to think, but the answers are pretty good, and it also gives sources of where it got the information from. This is helpful if you want to look into the issue further.

https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/b6d4151e-5fe2-4c63-9b72-48c52eef9da5?pli=1

For example, I searched "How do you explain Uzzah touching ark and dying? Didn't God directly strike him down?" This is what I got. But note, the actual source has links which were not given here.

The incident of Uzzah touching the Ark of the Covenant and dying is often interpreted as God directly striking him down. However, the sources offer a nuanced explanation that aligns with a broader understanding of God's character as non-violent and loving, emphasizing the "mirror principle" and the consequences of rejecting divine counsel.

Here's how the sources explain Uzzah's death:

1. The Violation of Sacred Protocol and Uzzah's Internal State: The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in Israel, representing God's holy presence and containing the Ten Commandments. Strict instructions were given for its handling: it was to be carried by Levite priests, not transported on a cart.

• Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, were driving a new cart carrying the Ark, which was already a departure from the divine command.

• When the oxen stumbled, Uzzah "put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it".

• The sources indicate that Uzzah acted in a state of frustration and annoyance, touching that which was most holy. He knew and understood the warnings against touching the Ark.

• A possible indicator of discontent in Uzzah's heart is suggested by the fact that his younger brother, Ahio, was leading the Ark, even though Uzzah was the older brother, potentially implying "jealousy of sibling rivalry" or "hatred in his heart for his brother". This internal attitude contributed to the breach in protection.

2. God's "Anger" as Grief and Withdrawal of Protection: The Bible states that "the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error" and "made a breach upon Uzzah". However, the sources redefine "anger" in this context:

• God's "anger" or "wrath" is understood not as an impulsive, violent outburst, but as His deep grief and sorrowful withdrawal of His Spirit and protection.

• The word "anger" (Hebrew: aph) can also mean "nose" or "nostril," and in passion or suffering, implying rapid breathing or grief. When God is "forced to abandon His children," He "buries His face in His hands and leaves the rebellious to the mercies of Satan".

• God "made a breach upon Uzzah" means He removed His hedge of protection. Uzzah's inappropriate actions and rebellious heart placed him in a position where God could no longer protect him. God had to "honor his choice" to follow a path of rebellion.

3. Satan as the Immediate Cause of Death: When God's protection is withdrawn, Satan, the "destroyer" (Abaddon/Apollyon), gains access to inflict harm.

• The sources explicitly state: "God immediately withdrew the protection of the angels. Satan came straight in and killed him. Bang.".

• This aligns with the principle that "evil shall slay the wicked". Sin has a "self-destructive quality".

4. The Mirror Principle and Our Perception of God: The way these biblical accounts are read acts as a "mirror" to the reader's own perception of God's character.

• "Our Father in heaven has allowed the variants of meaning to provide a mirror into our soul so that we can decide for ourselves what character we see in the text".

• Reading it as God directly striking Uzzah reflects a human tendency to attribute "impulsive, angry" behavior to God, or to project one's own "violent, chaotic nature" onto Him.

• However, Jesus "never killed anyone while here on earth". He came "not to destroy men's lives, but to save them". Therefore, understanding the character of God requires interpreting these events through the lens of Christ's life.

In summary, the sources explain Uzzah's death not as a direct, active strike from God, but as the tragic consequence of his own actions and rebellious heart, which caused God to sorrowfully withdraw His divine protection. This allowed Satan, the true destroyer, to inflict the death that Uzzah's choices made him vulnerable to. The account serves as a profound lesson about the sanctity of God's commands and the self-destructive power of sin, while simultaneously revealing God's true character as one who grieves over the choices that lead to death.

These are the books included in the database: