Understanding 1 Samuel 6:19

Verse: "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 threescore and ten men: and the people lamented, because the Lord had smitten many of the people with a great slaughter."

Summary of the Verse

The passage describes a significant event in which God punishes the men of Bethshemesh for showing irreverence towards the Ark of the Covenant, resulting in a devastating loss of life. This reflects the holiness of God and the seriousness with which divine commands are to be treated.

Commentary Insights

This verse can be broken down into several interpretations as highlighted in public domain commentaries:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary

  Matthew Henry emphasizes the reverence due to the Ark of the Covenant, seeing it as a representation of God's presence among His people. The actions of the men of Bethshemesh in looking into the Ark indicate a lack of respect for God’s holiness and the prescribed rules regarding the Holy items. Henry notes the consequence of such irreverence, pointing out that sometimes God’s judgments appear harsh, but they serve to maintain His holiness and order among the people.

• Albert Barnes’ Notes

  Albert Barnes elaborates on the context surrounding the Ark and the gravity of the situation. He explains that the Ark was not simply a piece of furniture, but a symbol of God’s covenant with His people. Barnes underscores the seriousness of their offense and links it to other biblical themes of God’s righteous judgment, cautioning against taking the Lord's commandments lightly.

• Adam Clarke’s Commentary

  Adam Clarke highlights the tragic nature of the event, expressing how the lamentation of the people not only reflects their fear of God’s wrath but also their recognition of the gravity of their sin. Clarke discusses the concept of reverence for sacred objects and spaces, urging a deeper understanding of God’s character as just and holy, which necessitates fear and respect from His creation.

Thematic Connections

This verse can be connected to several other Bible verses that reflect similar themes of reverence, judgment, and the holiness of God:

• Exodus 19:22: "And let the priests also, which come near to the Lord, sanctify themselves, lest the Lord break forth upon them."
• Leviticus 10:1-2: "And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them…"
• 1 Chronicles 13:9-10: "And when they came unto the thrashingfloor of Chidon, Uzzah put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah; and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark…"
• Hebrews 10:31: "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."
• Proverbs 14:27: "The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death."
• Isaiah 33:14: "The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites: who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?"
• Acts 5:1-11: "But a certain man named Ananias… kept back part of the price… and Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost?… And Ananias hearing these words fell down…"

Applications and Lessons

The account in 1 Samuel 6:19 serves as a vital reminder of the importance of approaching God with reverence and awe. It teaches believers about:

• The Holiness of God: The Ark represents God’s presence and His commands come with the expectation of holiness.
• Reverence in Worship: God desires that we approach Him with respect and acknowledgment of His authority.
• Consequences of Irreverence: Underestimating God’s holiness can lead to dire consequences, encouraging believers to reflect on their own attitudes and actions.

Cross-Referencing Insights

Cross-referencing is essential for a deeper understanding of biblical texts. Here are some tools for Bible cross-referencing that can guide your exploration:

• Bible Concordance: A useful resource for finding specific verses and understanding themes.
• Bible Cross-Reference Guide: Offers insights into verses that relate thematically.
• Cross-Reference Bible Study: A methodology that encourages readers to explore connections within the texts.

Conclusion

1 Samuel 6:19 presents a powerful moment in Israel’s history that reveals essential truths about the nature of God, the weight of holiness, and the response of humanity. By engaging in comprehensive Bible cross-reference materials and employing comparative Bible verse analysis, believers can gain richer insights into both specific verses and overarching biblical themes.