1 Samuel 6:19

“And he smote the men of Beth-shemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the Lord, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore and ten men: and the people lamented because the Lord had smitten many of the people with a great slaughter.”

Context: The book of 1 Samuel records the transition of Israel from a period of judges to the establishment of the monarchy under King Saul and later King David. This particular verse is part of the account of the return of the Ark of the Covenant to the Israelites by the Philistines.

The Ark of the Lord: The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred chest that symbolized the presence of God among the Israelites. It contained the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments, Aaron’s rod, and a jar of manna. The Philistines had captured the Ark and kept it in their territory, but they experienced a series of calamities, including plagues and tumors, which led them to return it to the Israelites.

The Violation: In Beth-shemesh, the people looked into the Ark of the Lord out of curiosity or perhaps a lack of reverence for its holiness. However, this act of irreverence was against the specific commandments of God. Exodus 25:14 states that the Ark should be covered and that no one should touch it, or else they would die.

The Consequence: As a result of their disobedience and lack of respect for the holiness of the Ark, God struck down 50,070 men from Beth-shemesh. This event brought mourning and lamentation to the people because of the severity of the divine judgment.

Lessons and Applications:

• Reverence for God: The story of the men of Beth-shemesh serves as a reminder of the importance of showing reverence for God and His holy things. We should approach God with awe, respect, and a proper understanding of His holiness.
• Obedience to God’s Commands: This account highlights the significance of obeying God’s specific instructions. Even seemingly minor infractions can have serious consequences. God’s commands are not arbitrary but are given for our well-being and to maintain a right relationship with Him.
• The Holiness of God: The incident emphasizes the holiness of God and His expectation that His people honor and respect His presence. God is not to be taken lightly or treated casually.
• God’s Justice and Judgment: The severe judgment upon the men of Beth-shemesh demonstrates that God’s justice demands an account for disobedience and irreverence. It reminds us of the importance of living in obedience to God’s will and fearing Him.

In summary, the incident described in 1 Samuel 6:19 serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of reverence, obedience, and recognizing the holiness of God. It teaches us to approach God with respect and to take His commands seriously.