1 Samuel 5

This is a relatively short chapter, focusing narrowly on the effects that the Ark of the Covenant had upon the Philistines who took it. They initially put it in the temple of one of their gods, only to find the statue of the god toppled over the following day - and broken the next. In addition there was devastation, panic, and outbreaks of tumors in the various cities they attempted to keep the Ark in; quite obviously God's judgement upon them. Eventually they decide to send it back to the Israelites, which I assume will be covered in tomorrow's reading.

We aren't given a death toll here, but I am curious as to how the Philistines' losses compare to those of the Israelites at the battle in chapter 4. I also really like the image of the Philistine idol fallen on the ground and bowing before the Ark.