1 Samuel 6:19

But God struck down some of the people of Beth-shemesh because they looked inside the ark of the LORD. He struck down seventy men, and the people mourned because the LORD had struck them with a great slaughter.

Study Bible

But God struck down some of the people of Beth-shemesh
Beth-shemesh was a Levitical city in the territory of Judah, designated for the Kohathites, who were responsible for the care of the sanctuary's sacred objects. The city's name means "House of the Sun," indicating its possible historical significance as a center of sun worship before Israelite occupation. The striking down of the people here underscores the holiness of God and the seriousness of His commands regarding the Ark of the Covenant.

because they looked inside the ark of the LORD.
The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in Israel, representing God's presence and covenant with His people. According to the Law, only the high priest could approach the Ark, and even then, only once a year on the Day of Atonement. The act of looking inside the Ark was a direct violation of God's command and a display of irreverence. This incident echoes the holiness and untouchability of sacred things, similar to the fate of Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6:6-7, who was struck down for touching the Ark.

He struck down seventy men,
The number seventy may symbolize completeness or a significant portion of the community, reflecting the severity of the offense. In some manuscripts, the number is recorded as fifty thousand and seventy, though this is likely a textual variation. The emphasis is on the divine judgment that fell upon those who disrespected the Ark.

and the people mourned
The mourning of the people indicates their recognition of the gravity of the situation and their sorrow over the loss. Mourning in the biblical context often involved wearing sackcloth, fasting, and lamentation, reflecting a deep sense of repentance and acknowledgment of sin.

because the LORD had struck them with a great slaughter.
The term "great slaughter" emphasizes the magnitude of the divine judgment. This event served as a powerful reminder to Israel of the holiness of God and the importance of obedience to His commands. It also foreshadows the ultimate judgment and the need for atonement, pointing to the future work of Jesus Christ, who provides the way for humanity to approach God through His sacrifice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God
The sovereign and holy God who enforces His commandments and punishes disobedience.

2. Men of Beth-shemesh
Residents of the town of Beth-shemesh who disobeyed God's command by looking into the Ark of the Covenant.

3. Beth-shemesh
A town in the territory of Judah, significant for being a Levitical city and a place where the Ark was temporarily housed.

4. The Ark of the LORD
The sacred chest representing God's presence and covenant with Israel, containing the tablets of the Law.

5. The Great Slaughter
The divine judgment executed by God, resulting in the death of seventy men for their irreverence.

Teaching Points

Reverence for God's Holiness
God's holiness demands reverence and obedience. The men of Beth-shemesh were punished for their irreverence, reminding us to approach God with respect and awe.

Obedience to God's Commands
The incident underscores the importance of adhering to God's instructions. Disobedience, especially concerning sacred matters, can lead to severe consequences.

The Seriousness of Sin
Sin has real and serious consequences. The mourning of the people of Beth-shemesh serves as a reminder of the impact of sin on a community.

God's Justice and Mercy
While God is just in His punishment, His actions also serve as a call to repentance and a deeper understanding of His nature.

Learning from Past Mistakes
The account encourages us to learn from the mistakes of others, ensuring that we do not repeat them in our own spiritual journey.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the incident at Beth-shemesh teach us about the nature of God's holiness and how we should approach Him?

2. How can we apply the lesson of obedience from this passage to our daily lives, especially in areas where we might be tempted to compromise?

3. In what ways does the account of the men of Beth-shemesh parallel other biblical accounts of disobedience and its consequences?

4. How can we ensure that we maintain a reverent attitude towards God and His commands in our worship and daily practices?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced consequences for disobedience. How did that experience shape your understanding of God's justice and mercy?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 4:15
This verse outlines the specific instructions given to the Levites regarding the handling of the holy objects, including the Ark, emphasizing the seriousness of God's commands.

Leviticus 10:1-2
The account of Nadab and Abihu, who were struck down for offering unauthorized fire, parallels the theme of God's holiness and the consequences of disobedience.

2 Samuel 6:6-7
The incident with Uzzah touching the Ark highlights the importance of reverence and obedience to God's instructions concerning holy objects.