1 Samuel 6

“And when they lifted up their eyes and saw the ark, they rejoiced to see it” (v13).  The Israelites were thrilled to receive the ark of the covenant, and the Philistines were eager to get rid of it (v2).  The Philistines were not ready to pledge loyalty to God above all else; therefore, having the ark in their land was causing suffering (ch 5).  The Israelites were learning that their holy God was not to be treated casually (v19-20), yet they still wanted His blessing.
 
“Who is able to stand before … this holy God?” (v20). As the Israelites discovered, no one is worthy.   Yet, through Jesus’ sacrifice, God forgives and purifies us, so that we can stand before Him.