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 asked
Beth-shemesh was a Levitical city located in the territory of Judah, near the border with the Philistines. The men of this city were likely familiar with the religious practices and the significance of the Ark of the Covenant. Their question arises after witnessing the consequences of mishandling the Ark, which had returned from Philistine captivity. This reflects a moment of fear and reverence, acknowledging the power and holiness of God.

“Who can stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God?
This rhetorical question underscores the holiness and majesty of God, emphasizing His separateness from sin and imperfection. The phrase echoes sentiments found in other parts of Scripture, such as Psalm 24:3, which asks, "Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?" It highlights the need for purity and reverence when approaching God, a theme consistent throughout the Bible. The holiness of God is a central attribute, and His presence demands respect and awe.

To whom should the ark go up from here?”
The Ark of the Covenant was the physical representation of God's presence among His people. The question reflects the community's recognition of their unworthiness and their desire to find a suitable place for the Ark. This moment foreshadows the eventual movement of the Ark to Jerusalem under King David, as recorded in 2 Samuel 6. It also points to the broader biblical narrative of God's presence moving among His people, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is described as the true temple and the embodiment of God's presence (John 1:14, Colossians 2:9).

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.