1 Samuel 6:20
1 Samuel 6:20 in Multiple Translations
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?”
And the men of Beth-shemesh said, Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God? and to whom shall he go up from us?
And the men of Beth-shemesh said, Who is able to stand before Jehovah, this holy God? and to whom shall he go up from us?
And the men of Beth-shemesh said, Who is able to keep his place before the Lord, this holy God? and to whom may he go from us?
The people of Beth-shemesh asked, “Who can stand before the Lord, this holy God? Where should the Ark go from here?”
Wherefore the men of Beth-shemesh said, Who is able to stand before this holy Lord God? and to whom shall he go from vs?
And the men of Beth-Shemesh say, 'Who is able to stand before Jehovah, this holy God? and unto whom doth He go up from us?'
The men of Beth Shemesh said, “Who is able to stand before the LORD, this holy God? To whom shall he go up from us?”
And the men of Beth-shemesh said, Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God? and to whom shall he go up from us?
And the men of Bethsames said: Who shall be able to stand before the Lord this holy God? and to whom shall he go up from us?
They said, “No one [RHQ] can ◄resist the power of/stand in the presence of► Yahweh, our holy God, and remain alive! Where can we send the sacred chest?”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 6:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 6:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּֽאמְרוּ֙
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
בֵֽית
שֶׁ֔מֶשׁ
מִ֚י
יוּכַ֣ל
לַ/עֲמֹ֔ד
לִ/פְנֵ֨י
יְהוָ֧ה
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֛ים
הַ/קָּד֖וֹשׁ
הַ/זֶּ֑ה
וְ/אֶל
מִ֖י
יַעֲלֶ֥ה
מֵ/עָלֵֽי/נוּ
וַ/יֹּֽאמְרוּ֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
בֵֽית
Bêyth Shemesh
H1053
Heliopolis
N-proper
שֶׁ֔מֶשׁ
Bêyth Shemesh
H1053
Heliopolis
N-proper
מִ֚י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
יוּכַ֣ל
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לַ/עֲמֹ֔ד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לִ/פְנֵ֨י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
יְהוָ֧ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֛ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
הַ/קָּד֖וֹשׁ
qâdôwsh
H6918
holy
Art | Adj
הַ/זֶּ֑ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
מִ֖י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
יַעֲלֶ֥ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
מֵ/עָלֵֽי/נוּ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 6:20
וַ/יֹּֽאמְרוּ֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
בֵֽית
Bêyth Shemesh
H1053
"Heliopolis"
N-proper
Beth-shemesh was a town in ancient Palestine, also known as Heliopolis. Its name means house of the sun or sun-temple, and it was an important location in biblical times.
Definition: Beth-shemesh = "house of the sun" or "sun-temple" a town in Egypt Another name of on (אֹן "On" H0204)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Beth-shemesh. See also: Joshua 15:10; 1 Samuel 6:19; Jeremiah 43:13.
שֶׁ֔מֶשׁ
Bêyth Shemesh
H1053
"Heliopolis"
N-proper
Beth-shemesh was a town in ancient Palestine, also known as Heliopolis. Its name means house of the sun or sun-temple, and it was an important location in biblical times.
Definition: Beth-shemesh = "house of the sun" or "sun-temple" a town in Egypt Another name of on (אֹן "On" H0204)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Beth-shemesh. See also: Joshua 15:10; 1 Samuel 6:19; Jeremiah 43:13.
מִ֚י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
יוּכַ֣ל
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
לַ/עֲמֹ֔ד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
לִ/פְנֵ֨י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
יְהוָ֧ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֛ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
הַ/קָּד֖וֹשׁ
qâdôwsh
H6918
"holy"
Art | Adj
Holy means set apart or sacred, used to describe God, angels, and saints. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things or people dedicated to God's service, like the Temple in Jerusalem or the prophets who spoke on God's behalf.
Definition: : holy sacred, holy, Holy One, saint, set apart
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: holy (One), saint. See also: Exodus 19:6; Psalms 89:19; Psalms 16:3.
הַ/זֶּ֑ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מִ֖י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
יַעֲלֶ֥ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
מֵ/עָלֵֽי/נוּ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 6:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 6:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 6:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 6:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:20
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:20
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 6:20
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:20
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 6:20
Context — The Ark Returned to Israel
18The number of gold rats also corresponded to the number of Philistine cities belonging to the five rulers—the fortified cities and their outlying villages. And the large rock on which they placed the ark of the LORD stands to this day in the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh.
19But 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.
20The 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?”
21So they sent messengers to the people of Kiriath-jearim, saying, “The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD. Come down and take it up with you.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 6:9 | That day David feared the LORD and asked, “How can the ark of the LORD ever come to me?” |
| 2 | Malachi 3:2 | But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap. |
| 3 | Revelation 6:17 | For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?” |
| 4 | Luke 8:37 | Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to depart from them, because great fear had taken hold of them. So He got into the boat and started back. |
| 5 | Psalms 76:7 | You alone are to be feared. When You are angry, who can stand before You? |
| 6 | Numbers 17:12–13 | Then the Israelites declared to Moses, “Look, we are perishing! We are lost; we are all lost! Anyone who comes near the tabernacle of the LORD will die. Are we all going to perish?” |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 6:7 | And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down on the spot for his irreverence, and he died there beside the ark of God. |
| 8 | Luke 5:8 | When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees. “Go away from me, Lord,” he said, “for I am a sinful man.” |
| 9 | Leviticus 11:45 | For I am the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt so that I would be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy. |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 5:8–12 | So they called together all the rulers of the Philistines and asked, “What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel?” “It must be moved to Gath,” they replied. So they carried away the ark of the God of Israel. But after they had moved the ark to Gath, the LORD’s hand was also against that city, throwing it into great confusion and afflicting the men of the city, both young and old, with an outbreak of tumors. So they sent the ark of God to Ekron, but as it arrived, the Ekronites cried out, “They have brought us the ark of the God of Israel in order to kill us and our people!” Then the Ekronites assembled all the rulers of the Philistines and said, “Send away the ark of the God of Israel. It must return to its place, so that it will not kill us and our people!” For a deadly confusion had pervaded the city; the hand of God was heavy upon it. Those who did not die were afflicted with tumors, and the outcry of the city went up to heaven. |
1 Samuel 6:20 Summary
[The men of Beth-shemesh were afraid of the Lord's judgment and did not feel worthy to have the ark in their presence, so they asked who could stand in the presence of the Lord. This question shows that they recognized the Lord's holiness and power, as described in Leviticus 11:44-45. We can learn from their response that recognizing the Lord's holiness and power should lead us to humility and reverence, as seen in 1 Samuel 6:20, and that we should approach God with fear and trembling, as described in Philippians 2:12-13. By recognizing the Lord's holiness and power, we can cultivate a deeper sense of awe and wonder at His majesty, as seen in Psalm 111:9.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the men of Beth-shemesh ask who could stand in the presence of the Lord?
The men of Beth-shemesh asked this question because they had just witnessed the Lord's judgment on their people for looking inside the ark, as seen in 1 Samuel 6:19, and they recognized the Lord's holiness and power, as described in Leviticus 11:44-45.
What does it mean to stand in the presence of the Lord?
To stand in the presence of the Lord means to be in His holy presence without being consumed by His wrath, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-5, and to be able to worship and serve Him without fear, as described in Hebrews 4:16.
Why did the men of Beth-shemesh want to send the ark away?
The men of Beth-shemesh wanted to send the ark away because they were afraid of the Lord's judgment and did not feel worthy to have the ark in their presence, as seen in 1 Samuel 6:20, and they recognized that the Lord's presence requires a high level of holiness and reverence, as described in Exodus 19:10-13.
What can we learn from the men of Beth-shemesh's response to the Lord's judgment?
We can learn from the men of Beth-shemesh's response that recognizing the Lord's holiness and power should lead us to humility and reverence, as seen in 1 Samuel 6:20, and that we should approach God with fear and trembling, as described in Philippians 2:12-13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can show reverence and respect for the Lord's holiness in my daily life?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of awe and wonder at the Lord's power and majesty, as seen in 1 Samuel 6:20?
- What are some things that I can do to prepare myself to stand in the presence of the Lord, as described in Hebrews 10:19-25?
- How can I balance my desire to draw near to the Lord with the recognition of His holiness and power, as seen in 1 Samuel 6:20 and Hebrews 4:16?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 6:20
And the men of Bethshemesh said, who is able to stand before this holy Lord God?.... The Targum is, "before the ark of this holy Lord God;'' which is said either by way of complaint of the severity
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 6:20
And the men of Beth-she'mesh said, Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God? and to whom shall he go up from us? No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:20
To stand before this holy Lord God, i.e. to minister before the ark where the Lord is present. Since God is so severe to mark whatsoever is amiss in his servants, who is sufficient and worthy to serve him? who dare presume to come into his presence? It seems to be a complaint, or expostulation with God, concerning this last and great instance of his severity. To whom shall he go up from us? who will dare to receive the ark with so much hazard to themselves?
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:20
1 Samuel 6:20 And the men of Bethshemesh said, Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God? and to whom shall he go up from us?Ver. 20. This holy Lord God.] Here they seem peevishly to lay the blame of their sufferings upon God, as too holy and strict: of their sins, the true cause, they say nothing; but take care to rid their hands of the ark, which they should have retained reverently.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:20
(20) Who is able to stand?—There is some superstition involved in this exclamation, “Whither shall we send this awful visitant?” The men of the priestly city of Beth-shemesh strangely connected their invisible King with that golden Ark, which, sacred though it was, was but a lifeless chest of wood and gold. Yet through their superstition we can discern a deep consciousness of sin and shortcoming, which argued well for the future reformation of the religious life of the people—a grand work, which we shall soon sec Samuel the prophet labouring so faithfully and so successfully to bring about. These poor sinners, discerning the cause of the fatal stroke which had fallen upon their brethren, felt too surely that they were none of them any better really than those who had fallen victims to their impiety, and were fully sensible that sinners could not dwell in the presence of God. Carried away by this feeling of awe before the purity of the invisible King, they cried, “To whom shall He go up from us?” These poor Hebrews felt the same fear as John was sensible of centuries later, when at the feet of the glorified Son of Man he fell as dead; but they, less blessed than John and the children of the kingdom, had no Redeemer there to raise them up with the loving whisper: “Fear not; I (whom thou dreadest) am He that liveth and was dead.” (Sec Revelation 1:17-18.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:20
Verse 20. Who is able to stand] Why this exclamation? They knew that God had forbidden any to touch his ark but the priests and Levites; but they endeavoured to throw that blame on God, as a Being hard to be pleased, which belonged solely to themselves.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 6:20
20. Who is able to stand before this holy Lord God?] Before Jehovah this holy God. Holiness is an especial attribute of Jehovah, demanding a corresponding holiness on the part of the people among whom He promised to dwell (Exodus 29:45-46; Leviticus 11:44-45). Chastisement was necessary to teach the men of Beth-shemesh that their sinfulness could not stand before the holiness of God (cp. Malachi 3:2; Luke 5:8): but instead of fitting themselves for His Presence, they desired to free themselves from the harden of it. Cp. Matthew 8:34. We should compare the judgment upon Uzzah, after which David feared to bring the Ark into Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 6:7-9.) to whom shall he go up from us?] They regard the Presence of Jehovah as inseparable from the Ark.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:20
20. Who is able to stand — For Israelite as well as Philistine is smitten by the presence of the holy shrine. To whom shall he go up from us — Who next will dare take charge of him?
Sermons on 1 Samuel 6:20
| Sermon | Description | |
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Jerusalem Capital of Israel by Hedley G Murphy | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of giving God the glory in both times of victory and times of struggle. He uses the story of David as an example, highlightin |
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Strange Incense by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the opening of the seventh seal in the book of Revelation. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared and having a strong prayer life in |
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Being Filled With the Holy Spirit by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the speaker begins by inviting the congregation to share any testimonies or words that God has spoken to them. They emphasize the power of the Word of God, describi |
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Worst Thing to Happen to a Preacher - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the need for a revival of true, uncompromising Christianity, challenging the modern church to return to the radical commitment and power demonstrated by figu |
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Audio Sermon: Redeemer Is Returning to Zion by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the imminent return of Christ and the need for the church to prepare by repenting, seeking God's presence, and forsaking worldly desires. It warns against fa |
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This Heart Is Too Small - Part 5 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual legacy and the eternal perspective of life. It challenges individuals to consider the spiritual inheritance they are passing on t |
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To Know the Holy Spirit by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses three marks or trademarks of the Holy Spirit: the spirit, the fire, and the winnowing fork. These three things all speak of the same thing, wh |