Year not stated · Conquest and Judges

The Philistines return the ark to Israel

After seven months the Philistines placed the ark and guilt offerings on a new cart drawn by two milk cows. The cows went directly to Beth-shemesh, confirming the LORD's hand, and the people rejoiced before irreverence brought judgment (1 Samuel 6:1-21).

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📖 1 Samuel 6:1–3

1When the ark of the LORD had been in the land of the Philistines seven months, 2the Philistines summoned the priests and diviners, saying, “What shall we do with the ark of the LORD? Tell us how to send it back to its place.” 3They replied, “If you return the ark of the God of Israel, do not send it away empty, but by all means return it to Him with a guilt offering. Then you will be healed, and you will understand why His hand has not been lifted from you.”

© 2026 Jeffrey A. Jameson, BibleTimescape (bibletimescape.com). Map geometry: Natural Earth, public domain. Place coordinates: OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding Data, CC BY 4.0.MediterraneanSeaSalt SeaEkronAshdodAshkelonGathGazaKiriath-jearimBeth-shemesh
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