1. Pay honor to Israel's God (1-6)

Sickness, death and panic broke out wherever the Philistines put the ark of God. They were afraid to destroy it, so they decided to send it back. But how? There were some pagan priests who knew history. They knew how God had dealt with the Egyptians who oppressed Israel. They advised the Philistines to send a guilt offering with the ark and pay honor to Israel's God. They knew more about God than did the corrupt leaders of Israel.

2. Two lowing cows (7-21)

The Philistine diviners wanted to know for sure that what had happened was God's doing, not just an accident. When the lowing cows defied their natural feelings and pulled the cart with the ark on it straight to Beth Shemesh in Israel, the Philistines knew that what had happened to them was from the hand of God. Some Israelites who did not respect the ark of the Lord died because of their curiosity.

Application: Lord, help me to honor you with awesome respect.
One Word: Even cows know their master