1. Read the story of 5:1-5 in the light of Jer. 10:1-16.
   Contrast the idols with the Lord of hosts.
   How ought such evidence to influence our fear and our faith?
2. Because the ark of the Lord was associated with his law (cf. Deut. 31:9), it was also associated with judgment – as in this passage.
   Why did such a dire punishment fall on the men of Beth Shemesh, and with what result?
   Cf. Exod. 19:21; Heb. 12:28, 29; and see Note 2 below.

Notes

5:6, 12; 6:4,5. The association of tumours and mice suggests an outbreak of bubonic plague.

6:19. The ark, according to God’s command, was to be kept closely covered, when not in the Holy of Holies. Cf. Num. 4:5, 6, 15, 20.