The Philistine priests compare their suffering after taking the Ark of the Covenant to that of the Egyptians in the time of Moses. They understand they must return the holy item and compensate the Israelites with gold. They place their golden offering and the Ark inside a cart. Two cows are brought to drag the cargo and the cart is sent on its way. When it reaches Beth Shemesh, the locals are excited to see the precious relic returned. However, soon thereafter calamity strikes that city, too. The people of Beth Shemesh understand that the Ark must be returned to its original place in the city of Kiriath Jearim. Only once the precious relic is returned to its proper resting place do the calamities cease. We should never covet a blessing that is not intended for us. Every person must create their own inner fortune and revel in God’s abundance – unconditionally and wholeheartedly.
“And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying, What shall we do to the ark of the Lord? tell us wherewith we shall send it to his place” (1 Samuel 6:2)
“Who is able to stand before this holy Lord God? and to whom shall he go up from us?” (1 Samuel 6:20)
When we treat others as we ourselves wish to be treated, fairness prevails.
