17 These, therefore are the golden hemorrhoids which the Philistines returned in expiation for their guilt unto the Lord, for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Askelon one, for Gath one, for Ekron one,
18 and the golden rats, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five cardinals; a ransom for those of the fenced cities and for the country dwellers even unto the great stone of Abel, upon which they placed the ark of the Lord in the field of Joshua, the Bethshemite, and this is remembered unto this day.
19 Then God smote those of Bethshemesh because they had looked at the ark of the Lord; he smote fifty thousand of the people and seventy principal men. And the people lamented because the Lord had smitten the people with such a great slaughter.
20 And the men of Bethshemesh said, Who is able to stand before this holy Lord God? And to whom shall he go up from us?
21 And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjathjearim, saying, The Philistines have returned the ark of the Lord; come down, therefore, and carry it up to you.