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
The phrase "struck down" in Hebrew is "nakah," which conveys a sense of smiting or inflicting a blow. This action by God is a direct response to the irreverence shown by the men of Beth-shemesh. In the context of the Old Testament, God's holiness is paramount, and any violation of His commands, especially concerning sacred objects like the Ark, results in severe consequences. This serves as a reminder of the seriousness with which God views His holiness and the respect He demands from His people.

the men of Beth-shemesh
Beth-shemesh was a Levitical city, meaning it was inhabited by members of the tribe of Levi, who were set apart for religious duties. The fact that these men, who should have been well-versed in the law and the sanctity of the Ark, looked into it, underscores a grave lapse in judgment and reverence. This incident highlights the theme of accountability, especially for those who are in positions of spiritual leadership.

because they had looked into the ark of the LORD
The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in Israel, representing God's presence among 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 into the Ark was a direct violation of God's command and an act of irreverence. This serves as a powerful lesson on the importance of obedience and reverence for God's commands.

He struck down seventy men
The number seventy is significant in biblical numerology, often representing completeness or a large group. The specific number here emphasizes the severity of the punishment and the seriousness of the offense. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the holiness of God.

and the people mourned
The mourning of the people reflects their recognition of the gravity of the situation and their loss. Mourning in the biblical context often involves repentance and a turning back to God. This communal grief serves as a catalyst for spiritual reflection and renewal, urging the people to realign themselves with God's will.

because the LORD had struck them with a great slaughter
The term "great slaughter" underscores the magnitude of the event and the divine judgment that had been executed. It serves as a stark reminder of the power and holiness of God, and the need for His people to approach Him with the utmost reverence and obedience. This phrase encapsulates the central theme of the passage: the holiness of God and the serious consequences of disregarding His commands.

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.