Topical Bible: The Anger of God: Exemplified Against: Men of Bethshemesh

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Topical Encyclopedia

The incident involving the men of Bethshemesh serves as a poignant example of the anger of God in response to irreverence and disobedience. This event is recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of 1 Samuel, and it underscores the holiness of God and the seriousness with which He regards His commands and sacred objects.

Context and Background

The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest that held the tablets of the Law, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna, symbolized God's presence among His people. During a battle with the Philistines, the Israelites lost the Ark, and it was taken to Philistine territory. After experiencing divine plagues, the Philistines decided to return the Ark to Israel, sending it on a cart pulled by cows, which eventually arrived at Bethshemesh, a town in the territory of Judah.

The Incident at Bethshemesh

Upon the Ark's arrival, the people of Bethshemesh were initially overjoyed. They offered sacrifices to the Lord, celebrating the return of the Ark. However, their joy turned to tragedy due to their irreverence. The men of Bethshemesh looked inside the Ark, an act forbidden by God, as the Ark was to be handled only by the Levites and was not to be touched or looked into by anyone else.

1 Samuel 6:19 records the consequence of their actions: "But 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."

Theological Implications

This event highlights several key theological themes:

1. Holiness of God: The Ark of the Covenant was a symbol of God's holy presence. The men of Bethshemesh failed to respect the sanctity of the Ark, demonstrating a lack of reverence for God's holiness. This incident serves as a reminder that God is holy and His commands are to be taken seriously.

2. Divine Justice: The punishment meted out to the men of Bethshemesh illustrates God's justice. Their disobedience and irreverence were met with immediate and severe consequences, reflecting the seriousness with which God views sin and disobedience.

3. Fear of the Lord: The reaction of the people of Bethshemesh, who mourned the great slaughter, underscores the fear of the Lord. This fear is not merely terror but a profound respect and awe for God's power and holiness.

4. Covenant Relationship: The Ark was central to the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The incident at Bethshemesh serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with being in covenant with a holy God. The people were to approach God with reverence and obedience, recognizing the sacredness of their relationship with Him.

Conclusion

The anger of God against the men of Bethshemesh serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of reverence and obedience in the presence of a holy God. This event calls believers to reflect on their own attitudes towards God's commands and the sacred aspects of their faith, urging a response of humility, respect, and awe in their relationship with the Almighty.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 6:19
And he smote the men of Bethshemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the LORD, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and three score and ten men: and the people lamented, because the LORD had smitten many of the people with a great slaughter.
Torrey's Topical Textbook