1 Samuel 6:19

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he smote {H5221} the men {H376} of Bethshemesh {H1053}, because they had looked {H7200} into the ark {H727} of the LORD {H3068}, even he smote {H5221} of the people {H5971} fifty {H2572} thousand {H505} and threescore and ten {H7657} men {H582}: and the people {H5971} lamented {H56}, because the LORD {H3068} had smitten {H5221} many of the people {H5971} with a great {H1419} slaughter {H4347}.

Complete Jewish Bible

for [ADONAI] struck the people of Beit-Shemesh for looking at the ark of ADONAI. He killed 50,070 of the people; the people mourned because ADONAI had struck them with such a terrible slaughter.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And he smote of the men of Beth-shemesh, because they had looked into the ark of Jehovah, he smote of the people seventy men, andfifty thousand men; and the people mourned, because Jehovah had smitten the people with a great slaughter.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following the miraculous return of the Ark of the LORD from Philistine captivity to Bethshemesh, the Israelite inhabitants, in a presumptuous act of curiosity or irreverence, violated God's explicit command by gazing into the sacred Ark. This grave transgression against divine holiness provoked an immediate and devastating judgment from the LORD, resulting in the death of a vast number of men from Bethshemesh, plunging the community into profound lamentation and fear.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a significant narrative arc detailing the Ark of the Covenant's journey. After its capture by the Philistines in [1 Samuel 4](/1_samuel/4 "1 Samuel 4 - The Capture of the Ark"), the Ark brought plagues and devastation upon their cities, compelling them to return it to Israelite territory ([1 Samuel 5](/1_samuel/5 "1 Samuel 5 - The Ark Among the Philistines") and [1 Samuel 6:1-18](/1_samuel/6 "1 Samuel 6 - The Ark's Return")). The Ark's arrival in Bethshemesh was met with great rejoicing and sacrifice, marking a moment of national relief and spiritual renewal. However, this celebratory atmosphere quickly turned grim with the transgression described in [1 Samuel 6:19](/1_samuel/6-19 "1 Samuel 6:19 - The Bethshemesh Judgment"), highlighting the dangerous intersection of human curiosity and divine holiness, setting the stage for the Ark's subsequent journey to Kiriath-jearim.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in ancient Israel, representing God's throne, His presence, and His covenant with His people. Its construction and handling were meticulously prescribed in the Mosaic Law, particularly in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle and Ark") and [Numbers 4](/numbers/4 "Numbers 4 - Duties of the Kohathites"). Only specific Levites (Kohathites) were permitted to carry it, and even they were strictly forbidden from touching or looking directly at its contents, under penalty of death ([Numbers 4:15, 20](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Kohathites and the Sanctuary") and [Numbers 4:20](/numbers/4-20 "Numbers 4:20 - Prohibition Against Looking at the Holy Things")). The men of Bethshemesh, though Israelites, were not priests or Levites, and their act of looking into the Ark demonstrated a profound disregard for these divine stipulations and the absolute holiness of God, a concept central to Israelite worship.
* **Key Themes:** The incident at Bethshemesh powerfully underscores several key themes. First, it emphasizes **God's absolute holiness and transcendence**. The Ark was not merely a religious artifact but a tangible symbol of the unapproachable majesty of the LORD, demanding reverence and strict adherence to His commands. Second, it highlights the **seriousness of disobedience and profanity**. Even seemingly innocent curiosity, when it violates divine boundaries, carries severe consequences, demonstrating that God's laws are not arbitrary but reflect His character and protect His glory. Third, it illustrates the theme of **divine judgment** as a direct response to sacrilege. The swift and devastating punishment serves as a stark reminder that God is just and will not tolerate the desecration of what He has declared holy, echoing similar judgments found in [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Judgment") (Nadab and Abihu) and foreshadowing the later judgment on [Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6:6-7](/2_samuel/6-6 "2 Samuel 6:6-7 - Uzzah's Death").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nakah_):** This verb signifies a forceful, decisive striking, often with lethal intent or outcome. In this context, it describes God's direct, punitive action against the men of Bethshemesh. It conveys the immediate and devastating nature of divine judgment, emphasizing that the deaths were not accidental but a deliberate act of God's justice.
* **Looked into (Hebrew, _ra'ah_):** While _ra'ah_ can simply mean "to see," in this context, coupled with the severe consequences, it implies a deliberate, unauthorized, and presumptuous gaze. It suggests an intrusive, irreverent act of prying into what was forbidden, a violation of sacred boundaries rather than an accidental glance. This "looking" was a willful transgression of the divine command, indicating a lack of reverence for the Ark's sacred nature and the God it represented.
* **Lamented (Hebrew, _abal_):** This word describes a deep expression of mourning, grief, or sorrow, often accompanied by outward displays of distress. The people's lamentation signifies their profound shock, fear, and sorrow over the immense loss of life and the terrifying realization of God's holy wrath. It reflects a communal response of repentance and awe in the face of divine power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he smote the men of Bethshemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the LORD":** This clause establishes the direct cause-and-effect relationship between the men's transgression and God's judgment. The "he" refers to the LORD, signifying that this was a divine act of punishment. The sin was specifically "looking into the ark," an act explicitly forbidden by Mosaic Law for anyone other than authorized priests, and even then, only under strict conditions. This highlights the absolute sanctity of the Ark and the severity of violating God's commands regarding His holy presence.
* **"even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore and ten men":** This phrase details the devastating scale of the judgment. The number "fifty thousand and threescore and ten" (50,070) is a point of scholarly debate, with some ancient manuscripts and interpretations suggesting "seventy men" or "seventy men, even fifty thousand men" (implying 70 chief men among a larger population, or a copyist error). Regardless of the precise numerical interpretation, the KJV text emphasizes an immense slaughter, underscoring the profound seriousness of the transgression in God's eyes and the terrifying power of His holiness. The sheer magnitude of the loss was intended to instill deep fear and reverence for the LORD.
* **"and the people lamented, because the LORD had smitten [many] of the people with a great slaughter":** This final clause describes the people's reaction to the divine judgment. Their "lamentation" signifies profound grief, shock, and a dawning realization of the LORD's unyielding holiness and the dire consequences of disobedience. It indicates that the judgment achieved its purpose: to instill a healthy fear of God and His sacred boundaries among His people, leading to a communal expression of sorrow and awe.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Divine Retribution** is central, as God's immediate and severe judgment directly follows the transgression, demonstrating His active involvement in human affairs and His intolerance for sacrilege. The **Symbolism** of the Ark as the tangible representation of God's presence is crucial; its holiness is so profound that even an unauthorized gaze incurs death, emphasizing the unapproachable nature of divine majesty. The number of casualties, whether literal or hyperbolic, serves as **Hyperbole** to underscore the extreme severity and widespread impact of God's wrath, magnifying the lesson of reverence. Finally, there is a stark **Contrast** between the initial rejoicing at the Ark's return and the subsequent lamentation, highlighting the swift transition from celebration to mourning due to human sin and divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The tragic incident at Bethshemesh serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of God and humanity's relationship with Him. It unequivocally declares God's absolute holiness, demonstrating that His presence, though gracious, is also consuming and demands utmost reverence. The Ark, as the earthly throne of the invisible God, was not merely a relic but a conduit of His power and a testament to His unapproachable purity. This event powerfully teaches that God's commands are not arbitrary suggestions but essential boundaries for human interaction with the divine, designed to protect both God's glory and humanity from its own destructive impulses. It underscores that disobedience, especially regarding sacred things, carries dire consequences, reminding us that God is both loving and just, and His justice will not overlook irreverence.

* [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Unholy Fire")
* [Numbers 4:20](/numbers/4-20 "Numbers 4:20 - Prohibition Against Looking at Holy Things")
* [2 Samuel 6:6-7](/2_samuel/6-6 "2 Samuel 6:6-7 - Uzzah and the Ark")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While we no longer live under the Old Covenant with a physical Ark of the Covenant, the principles embedded in 1 Samuel 6:19 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This passage calls us to cultivate a deep and abiding reverence for God, understanding that His holiness is not diminished by His grace but rather magnified by it. Our access to God through Christ does not license casualness but invites a deeper, more awe-filled worship. It reminds us that God's Word, His church, the sacraments, and the name of Jesus are holy and should be approached with respect, not irreverence or presumption. We are cautioned against treating spiritual things lightly, for God remains the same, a consuming fire ([Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - God is a Consuming Fire")). Our lives should reflect a genuine fear of the LORD, which is the beginning of wisdom ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")), leading to humble obedience and a profound appreciation for the gracious access we have been granted through Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the incident at Bethshemesh challenge our modern tendency to approach God casually or irreverently?**
* **In what ways might we, in our contemporary context, "look into the Ark" or treat sacred things with a lack of proper reverence?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the importance of understanding and obeying God's specific commands, even those that seem mysterious or restrictive?**

### FAQ

**Why was God's judgment so severe for merely looking into the Ark?**

Answer: The severity of the judgment underscores the absolute holiness of God and the profound seriousness of violating His explicit commands regarding the Ark. The Ark was not just a box; it was the earthly representation of God's throne and presence, meticulously designed and regulated by divine law (e.g., [Exodus 25:10-22](/exodus/25-10 "Exodus 25:10-22 - Instructions for the Ark")). God had strictly forbidden anyone, except authorized priests under specific conditions, from looking into it, under penalty of death ([Numbers 4:20](/numbers/4-20 "Numbers 4:20 - Prohibition Against Looking")). The act of looking was a presumptuous and irreverent transgression, a direct affront to God's majesty and purity, demonstrating a lack of fear and respect for His divine boundaries. The judgment served as a powerful lesson for all Israel about the sacredness of God's presence and the dire consequences of profaning it.

**Was the number 50,070 literal, or is there another interpretation?**

Answer: The number "fifty thousand and threescore and ten men" (50,070) in the KJV is indeed a subject of scholarly debate. Some ancient Hebrew manuscripts and translations (like the Septuagint) suggest a much smaller number, specifically "seventy men." Other interpretations propose "seventy men, even fifty thousand men," which could mean seventy chief men among a larger population, or that the "fifty thousand" was a later scribal addition or a hyperbole emphasizing the scale rather than a precise count. Regardless of the exact numerical interpretation, the primary theological point remains: a significant and devastating number of people died as a direct result of God's judgment, highlighting the immense gravity of their sin and the terrifying power of God's holiness. The narrative's emphasis is on the profound severity of the divine response, not merely a statistical report.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The incident at Bethshemesh, with its stark demonstration of divine holiness and the deadly consequences of unauthorized access, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. The Ark of the Covenant, veiled and unapproachable, symbolized God's holy presence that could only be mediated through strict ritual and a Levitical priesthood, reminding humanity of its separation from a holy God due to sin. In Christ, however, the veil is torn ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Torn Veil")), and the ultimate High Priest, Jesus, offers direct access to God through His perfect sacrifice ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest") and [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place")). The severity of judgment at Bethshemesh highlights the immense grace of the New Covenant, where believers are invited to "draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" ([Hebrews 10:22](/hebrews/10-22 "Hebrews 10:22 - Drawing Near to God")). Christ Himself is the true Ark, the embodiment of God's presence among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), and through Him, we are made holy and given the privilege to behold God's glory, not with fear of death, but with unveiled faces ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into His Image")). The Old Covenant's strict boundaries underscore the immeasurable value of the New Covenant's open invitation, secured by the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 4:20

But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.

Exodus 19:21

And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.

Numbers 4:15

And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear [it]: but they shall not touch [any] holy thing, lest they die. These [things are] the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.

2 Samuel 6:7

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for [his] error; and there he died by the ark of God.

Colossians 2:18

Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

1 Chronicles 13:9

¶ And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled.

1 Chronicles 13:10

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.