1 And it came to pass, that the ark of Yahweh was in the country of the Philistines, seven months.

2 Then called the Philistines for the priests and for the diviners, saying, What shall we do with the ark of Yahweh? Let us know, wherewith we shall send it to its own place.

3 And they saidIf ye are going to send away the ark of the God of Israel, do not send it away, empty, but ye must, surely return, to him, a guilt-offering,then, shall ye be healed, and it shall be known to you, wherefore his hand would not turn away from you.