What lessons from 1 Samuel 6:19 connect to the fear of the Lord? Setting the Scene 1 Samuel 6 recounts Israel’s recovery of the ark from Philistine hands. The men of Beth-shemesh rejoice at its return but then treat the ark casually, “looked inside the ark of the LORD,” and judgment falls. Key Verse “God struck down some of the men of Beth-shemesh because they had looked into the ark of the LORD. He struck down seventy men, and the people mourned because the LORD had struck them with a great slaughter.” (1 Samuel 6:19) Lessons That Cultivate the Fear of the LORD • Reverence is non-negotiable – The ark signified God’s throne (Exodus 25:22). – Peering into it violated clear commands (Numbers 4:20). – God’s swift judgment underscores that holiness cannot be trivialized. • God’s holiness produces healthy fear – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). – Beth-shemesh learned in a moment what Proverbs teaches for life: true wisdom starts with trembling before God’s purity. • Privilege heightens accountability – Priests lived in Beth-shemesh (Joshua 21:13–16); they knew better. – Luke 12:48: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required.” Mishandling sacred trust invites stricter discipline. • External celebration must match internal honor – They rejoiced at the ark’s return (1 Samuel 6:13) yet failed to honor God’s instructions. – Isaiah 29:13 warns of lips that praise while hearts stray. Genuine fear unites joy with obedience. • Judgment awakens communal awe – “Who can stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God?” (1 Samuel 6:20). – Acts 5:11 mirrors this after Ananias and Sapphira: “Great fear seized the whole church.” Corporate awareness of God’s holiness preserves purity. Applying Holy Fear Today 1. Treat God’s Word and ordinances as sacred, not common. 2. Let worship be both joyful and reverent; enthusiasm never excuses irreverence. 3. Remember that greater knowledge of Scripture brings greater responsibility. 4. Cultivate continual awe: meditate on passages like Isaiah 6:1–5 and Revelation 1:12–17 to keep God’s majesty before your eyes. |
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