But God struck down some of the men of Beth Shemesh, putting seventy of them to death because they had looked into the ark of the Lord. 1 Samuel 6:19a
Who hasn't heard the saying: "Curiosity killed the cat."? We know better, but sometimes we just have to see what we have been told to avoid.
Since they were little boys, every man in Israel must have wondered about the ark of the covenant. Who wouldn't? This amazing box was built by Bezalel himself, the great craftsman chosen by God to oversee the building of the tabernacle.
Seven months after the ark had been stolen by the Philistines, it miraculously appeared. There was great excitement, yet the elation soon turned to grief. Seventy men from Beth Shemesh let their curiosity take control, and it cost their very lives.
They must have known what could happen. The was God's mercy seat! And they treated it with contempt.
Since they were little boys, every man in American has wondered about it. The human body, the intrigue of a salacious picture... Unfortunately, too many little boys in our day are pulled into secrets that can someday leave them empty and alone. Ask any sex addict. Most can remember finding some hidden "stash" around the age of seven.
We need to protect our children! We need to protect ourselves! God will not withhold His wrath from those who treat His dwelling place with contempt.
Now, He dwells in the hearts of man.
Lord, curiosity can be a good thing if it motivates us to seek You. Too often, I am curious about those things that I know to be off-limits. Help me to treat Your dwelling place with respect.