Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Samuel 6:19-21

"And he smote of the men of Beth-shemesh, because they had looked into the ark of Jehovah, he smote of the people seventy men, [and] fifty thousand men; and the people mourned, because Jehovah had smitten the people with a great slaughter. 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 they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim, saying, The Philistines have brought back the ark of Jehovah; come ye down, and fetch it up to you." — 1 Samuel 6:19-21 (ASV)

It is a great affront to God, for vain men to pry into and meddle with the secret things that do not belong to them (Deuteronomy 29:29; Colossians 2:18).

Humanity was ruined by desiring forbidden knowledge. God will not allow His ark to be profaned. Do not be deceived; God is not mocked. Those who will not fear His goodness and reverently use the tokens of His grace will be made to feel His justice.

The number struck is expressed in an unusual manner in the original, and it is probable that it means 1,170. They desired to get rid of the ark. Foolish people run from one extreme to the other. They should instead have asked, “How can we have peace with God and recover His favor?” (Micah 6:6–7).

Thus, when the Word of God works with terror on sinners' consciences, they, instead of taking the blame and shame upon themselves, quarrel with the Word and reject it. Many stifle their convictions and turn away from salvation.