Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 6:19. It’s a really important story about God's protection and judgment. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: The People of Bethshemesh: The verse is about a group of people from the city of Bethshemesh, located near Jerusalem. Looking at the Ark: They were particularly interested in the Ark of the Covenant – a holy symbol of God’s presence – that was being displayed in Jerusalem. The Lord Strikes Them Down: God, through His power, deliberately struck down fifty thousand and three hundred and ten people from Bethshemesh. This is a significant number! What Happened Next? People Lament: The people of Bethshemesh were very upset and mournful. They felt like the Lord was punishing them harshly. The Lord’s Wrath: God then showed His anger and power by smiting (punishing) many people. What Does It Tell Us About God? This verse shows a few things about God: He is Powerful: He didn't just passively allow events to happen; he actively intervened to punish those who disobeyed Him or were disrespectful. He is Just: The verse implies that God’s justice is absolute. He doesn’t tolerate wrongdoing, and He will hold people accountable for their actions. He is Merciful (eventually): While the verse describes a severe punishment, it’s important to remember that this wasn't the end of the story. Later, God showed mercy to the people of Bethshemesh. In short, this story is about God’s protection and judgment against those who were disrespectful towards His presence and the sacred symbol of the Ark. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect it to a larger theme in the Bible (like faith, obedience, or divine providence)?