1. The ark of the Lord had been in Philistine territory seven months
2. when the Philistines called for priests and people skilled in explaining omens. The Philistines asked, “What should we do with the ark of the Lord? Tell us how to return it to its ⌊proper⌋ place.”
3. The priests answered, “If you’re returning the ark of the God of Israel, don’t send it away empty, but by all means return it to its ⌊proper⌋ place with a guilt offering. Then you will be healed, and you will know why he would not turn his anger away from you.”