1 Samuel 5:1 – 6:21 continues to give details about the movement of the ark of the covenant. It begins in Ashdod in the temple of Dagon after which it moves from one city to the next, the Lord marching victoriously through enemy territory.1 When the ark is eventually returned to Israel, it is received in an improper manner and there is further discipline as a result.2 Eventually the ark is moved to a small village called Kiriath-jearim where it will stay for roughly 100 years until David brings it to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:1–23).
The emphasis in 1 Samuel 5:1 – 6:21 is the holiness of God (see 1 Samuel 6:20). The Philistines will learn that the Lord has not been defeated by them in battle, and that they are under his wrath. With the Lord’s presence in their midst they will suffer plagues and death. The Israelites will learn that the Lord cannot be approached in a manner of their choosing. If they are to enjoy his presence, they must honour him in the manner that he has revealed.
1 When the Philistines captured the ark of God, they brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod.