1 Samuel 6:19
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.
1 Samuel 6:19 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the Bible, we see a grim example of the consequences of disobeying the commands of the Lord. The men of Bethshemesh had looked into the ark of the Lord, which was a direct violation of God's instructions. As a result, God struck down fifty thousand and seventy men. This action of divine punishment serves as a reminder of the importance of reverence and obedience to God's laws. The people lamented the loss of so many lives, recognizing that the Lord had brought about a great slaughter as a consequence of their actions. This verse serves as a powerful lesson about the seriousness of following God's commands and the consequences that can result from disobedience. It highlights the holiness and sovereignty of God, as well as the necessity of showing respect and reverence towards Him.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse revolves around the concept of divine justice and reverence for the holiness of God. The people of Bethshemesh were punished for looking into the ark of the LORD, an act that showed disrespect for the sacred vessel that symbolized the presence of God among His people. The severe punishment of fifty thousand and seventy men serves as a warning against disobedience and irreverence towards God. The people lamented their loss, recognizing the consequences of their actions and acknowledging the power and authority of the LORD. This event underscores the importance of humility and obedience in the face of God's holiness and serves as a reminder of the consequences of straying from His commandments.
1 Samuel 6:19 in other translations
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, [and] fifty thousand men; and the people mourned, because Jehovah had smitten the people with a great slaughter.
World English Bible
He struck of the men of Beth Shemesh, because they had looked into Yahweh’s ark, he struck of the people fifty thousand seventy men; and the people mourned, because Yahweh had struck the people with a great slaughter.
Douay-Rheims
But he slew of the men of Bethsames, because they had seen the ark of the Lord, and he slew of the people seventy men, and fifty thousand of the common people. And the people lamented, because the Lord had smitten the people with a great slaughter.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And hee smote of the men of Beth-shemesh, because they had looked in the Arke of the Lord: he slew euen among the people fiftie thousand men and three score and ten men. and the people lamented, because the Lord had slaine the people with so great a slaughter.