1 Samuel 6:20

The men of Beth-shemesh asked, "Who can stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God? To whom should the ark go up from here?"

Study Bible

The men of Beth-shemesh
The town of Beth-shemesh was a Levitical city located in the territory of Judah. Its name means "house of the sun," indicating its possible historical significance as a place of worship or a center of religious activity. The men of Beth-shemesh were Levites, who were set apart for religious duties, yet their reaction to the events surrounding the Ark of the Covenant reveals a profound sense of awe and fear. This highlights the theme of God's holiness and the human response to divine encounters.

asked
The Hebrew root for "asked" is "שָׁאַל" (sha'al), which can mean to inquire or seek. This reflects a deep, earnest questioning, not just a casual inquiry. The men of Beth-shemesh are grappling with the reality of God's holiness and their own unworthiness, prompting them to seek guidance and understanding. This moment of questioning is a pivotal point in the narrative, emphasizing the need for reverence and the pursuit of divine wisdom.

Who can stand
The phrase "Who can stand" conveys a sense of inadequacy and vulnerability before the divine. In Hebrew, "עָמַד" (amad) means to stand or remain. This rhetorical question underscores the overwhelming power and holiness of God, suggesting that no human can confidently stand in His presence without divine grace. It echoes other biblical instances where God's presence is overwhelming, such as Isaiah's vision in Isaiah 6.

in the presence of the LORD
The "presence of the LORD" refers to the immediate and manifest presence of God, often associated with the Ark of the Covenant. The Hebrew term for "presence" is "פָּנִים" (panim), which literally means "face." This indicates a direct encounter with God, which is both a privilege and a peril due to His holiness. The Ark, as the earthly throne of God, symbolizes His covenant and His glory among His people.

this holy God
The holiness of God is a central theme in the Bible, and the Hebrew word for "holy" is "קָדוֹשׁ" (qadosh). It signifies being set apart, pure, and utterly distinct from creation. The men of Beth-shemesh recognize God's holiness as something that is both awe-inspiring and fearsome. This acknowledgment of God's holiness calls for a response of worship, reverence, and obedience.

To whom should the ark go up from here?
The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in Israel, representing God's covenant and His presence. The question of where the Ark should go reflects the community's recognition of their inability to host the divine presence due to their sinfulness. The phrase "go up" (עָלָה, alah) often implies ascending to a place of greater significance or holiness. This question reveals the need for a suitable place and people to honor God's presence, pointing to the broader biblical narrative of God's desire to dwell among His people in holiness and truth.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Men of Beth-shemesh
Residents of a Levitical city in the territory of Judah, who were involved in the handling of the Ark of the Covenant after it was returned by the Philistines.

2. Beth-shemesh
A city allocated to the Levites, located in the Shephelah region of Judah, significant for its role in the return of the Ark.

3. The Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence and covenant with Israel.

4. The Philistines
A neighboring people who captured the Ark in battle but returned it due to the calamities it brought upon them.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, whose holiness and presence are central to the events surrounding the Ark.

Teaching Points

Reverence for God's Holiness
God's holiness demands reverence and respect. The men of Beth-shemesh recognized their unworthiness to stand before the Lord, reminding us to approach God with humility and awe.

The Consequences of Irreverence
Mishandling the sacred, as seen in the deaths of those who looked into the Ark, serves as a warning against treating holy things casually.

God's Presence Among His People
The Ark symbolizes God's presence. We must consider how we honor God's presence in our lives today, through worship, prayer, and obedience.

Seeking God's Guidance
The question, "To whom should the ark go up from here?" reflects a need for divine guidance. In our lives, we should seek God's direction in all decisions.

The Fear of the Lord
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Recognizing God's holiness should lead us to live in a way that honors Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the reaction of the men of Beth-shemesh to the Ark's presence challenge our understanding of God's holiness today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we approach God with the reverence He deserves in our daily lives?

3. How do the events in 1 Samuel 6:20 relate to the broader biblical theme of God's holiness and human unworthiness?

4. What lessons can we learn from the consequences faced by those who mishandled the Ark, and how can we apply these lessons to our treatment of sacred things?

5. How can we seek and discern God's guidance in our lives, as the men of Beth-shemesh sought to know where the Ark should go?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 10
The deaths of Nadab and Abihu for offering unauthorized fire highlight the seriousness of approaching God's holiness improperly.

2 Samuel 6
The account of Uzzah touching the Ark and being struck dead underscores the reverence required in handling holy things.

Isaiah 6
Isaiah's vision of God's holiness and his own unworthiness parallels the fear and awe experienced by the men of Beth-shemesh.

Hebrews 12
The call to worship God with reverence and awe because of His consuming fire connects to the fear of the Lord's holiness.