- 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? - 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.