When the holy Ark was thus brought into the Israelitish domain, there
was exceeding great rejoicing. Yet the people were lacking in due
reverence. They unloaded the holy vessel while doing their usual work.
God punished them severely. (37) The seventy members of the Sanhedrin
perished, and with them fifty thousand of the people. (38) The
punishment was meet for another reason. At first sight of the Ark some
of the people had exclaimed: "Who vexed these that thou didst feel
offended, and what had mollified thee now?" (39)