Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

For seven months the ark remained in Philistia. The Israelites
made no effort to recover it, but the Philistines were eager to get rid
of it. Instead of being a source of strength to them, it was a burden
and heavy curse, yet they did not know what to do. The people
called for the princes of the nation, with the priests and diviners, and
asked, "What shall we do with the ark of the Lord? Tell us how we
should send it to its place." They were advised to return it with a
costly trespass offering. "Then," said the priests, "you will be
healed."
The Ark Sent to Beth Shemesh
Based on a widespread superstition, the Philistine lords
directed the people to make likenesses of the plagues that had
afflicted them--"five golden tumors and five golden rats, according
to the number of the lords of the Philistines. For," they said, "the
same plague was on all of you and on your lords."
These wise men recognized that a mysterious power
accompanied the ark. Yet they did not counsel the people to turn
from their idolatry to serve the Lord. They still hated the God of
Israel, though His judgments had compelled them to submit to His
authority. Such submission cannot save the sinner. The heart must
be yielded to God--must be subdued by divine grace--if God is to
accept our repentance.
How great is God's patience toward the wicked! Ten thousand
unnoticed mercies were silently falling on the pathway of the
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