1 Samuel 6:1-3

Expanded Bible

The Ark of God Is Sent Home

6 The Philistines kept the ·Ark of God [4:3] in their ·land [territory; country] seven months. ² Then the Philistines [4:1] called for their priests and ·magicians [diviners] and said, “What should we do with the Ark of the Lord? Tell us how to send it back ·home [to its place]!”

³ They answered, “If you send back the Ark of the God of Israel, don’t send it back ·empty [without a gift]. ·You must give [Return it to him with] a ·penalty [guilt] offering. If you are then healed, you will know that it was ·because of the Ark that you had such trouble [^Lhis hand that has been lifted from you].”