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.
Ver. 19. Because they had looked.] Presumptuously prying into the ark, out of an impious curiosity. Arcaua Dei sunt Arca Dei; be wise to sobriety: abuse not sacraments. a The Israelites were charged on pain of death not to look upon the ark bare or uncovered; Num 4:20 the Philistines might, and not die, because not alike obliged. Peter giveth charge against curiosity, as against theft or murder. 1Pe 4:15
“ Tu fuge ceu pestem την πολυπραγμοσυνην .” - Funccius.
a Scilicet in superis etiam fortuna luenda est; Nec veniam laeso numine casus habet.