According to the Masoretic Text, the ark of God was present with Saul on the day of the battle. If this was the case, then we can assume that it was returned to Kiriath-jearim after the battle (see 1 Samuel 7:1–2; 2 Samuel 6:1–4).1 Alternatively, according to the Septuagint, it was not the ark but the ephod which Saul requested. This makes more sense seeing as Kiriath-jearim was about ten kilometres to the west of Gibeah and in the land which was controlled by the Philistines. It was too far away to bring it to Saul for use in an attack (see 1 Samuel 4:1–22).2
18 So Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God here.” For the ark of God went at that time with the people of Israel.