Topical Encyclopedia The account of the men of Bethshemesh is a poignant biblical example of presumption, illustrating the consequences of irreverence and disobedience to God's commands. This event is recorded in 1 Samuel 6, during the period of the Judges, when the Ark of the Covenant was returned to Israel by the Philistines.Context and Background The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest containing the tablets of the Law, was captured by the Philistines in battle (1 Samuel 4:11). However, its presence brought calamity upon the Philistines, prompting them to return it to Israel. They placed the Ark on a new cart, drawn by two cows, and sent it back to the Israelites, accompanied by offerings of gold (1 Samuel 6:7-9). The Incident at Bethshemesh The Ark arrived in the field of Joshua of Bethshemesh, where the people were reaping their wheat harvest. Upon seeing the Ark, the people rejoiced. The Levites took down the Ark and the chest with the gold objects, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrifices to the LORD (1 Samuel 6:13-15). However, the joy of the occasion was marred by a grave act of presumption. The men of Bethshemesh looked inside the Ark of the LORD, an act forbidden by God. The Berean Standard Bible records, "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" (1 Samuel 6:19). Theological Implications The incident underscores the holiness of God and the seriousness with which His commands must be regarded. The Ark was not merely a religious artifact; it was the earthly throne of the Almighty, symbolizing His presence among His people. The Law stipulated that only the Levites were to handle the Ark, and even they were not to look inside it (Numbers 4:5, 15, 20). The presumption of the men of Bethshemesh in looking into the Ark reflects a disregard for God's explicit instructions and a failure to honor His holiness. Their actions resulted in severe judgment, serving as a sobering reminder of the consequences of treating sacred things with irreverence. Lessons for Believers This account serves as a warning against presumption in the worship and service of God. It calls believers to approach God with reverence and obedience, recognizing His holiness and the authority of His Word. The men of Bethshemesh remind us that familiarity with the things of God should never breed contempt or casualness. Instead, it should inspire awe and a deep respect for His divine majesty and commandments. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 6:19And 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 Library Adam's Sin The Rent Veil But Whilst the King Has not that Most Blessed Light... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources What are patron saints? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the pride of life? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about forgiveness? What does it mean to forgive? | GotQuestions.org Presumption: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Presumption in Asking Jesus, "What Will This Man Do?" Presumption in Objecting to Jesus' Statement That Jesus Must be Killed Presumption in Objecting to Jesus Washing Peter's Feet Presumption in Reflecting Upon his Knowledge when he Asked, Amid a Throng, Who Touched Jesus Presumption: A Characteristic of Antichrist Presumption: A Characteristic of the Wicked Presumption: Abraham, in Questioning About Sodom Presumption: Builders of Babel Presumption: Complaining at Meribah Presumption: David, in Numbering Israel Presumption: David's Anger on Account of Uzzah's Death Presumption: Exhibited in Esteeming Our own Ways Right Presumption: Exhibited in Opposing God Presumption: Exhibited in Planning for the Future Presumption: Exhibited in Pretending to Prophecy Presumption: Exhibited in Seeking Precedence Presumption: Exhibited in Self-Righteousness Presumption: Exhibited in Spiritual Pride Presumption: Exhibited in Wilful Commission of Sin Presumption: General Scriptures Concerning Presumption: Israelites, in Ascending to the Top of the Hill Against the Amalekites Presumption: James and John, in Desiring to Call Down Fire Upon the Samaritans Presumption: Job, in Cursing the Day of his Birth Presumption: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Presumption: Men of Bethshemesh Presumption: Men of Beth-Shemesh Presumption: Moses, in Rebuking Jehovah Presumption: Pray to be Kept from Sins of Presumption: Reproved by Eliphaz Presumption: Satan, when he Said to Eve, "You Will Surely not Die" Presumption: Saul, in Sacrificing Presumption: Sparing the Amalekites Presumption: The Disciples, in Rebuking Those Who Brought Little Children to Jesus Presumption: The Disciples, in Their Indignation at the Anointing of Jesus Presumption: The Sons of Sceva Presumption: Those Who Reviled Jesus Presumption: Uzzah, in Steadying the Ark of the Covenant Related Terms Presumptuously (10 Occurrences) |
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