³ from the Shihor east of Egypt to the border of Ekron on the north (considered to be Canaanite territory)—the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, as well as the Avvites

⁸ So they called all the Philistine rulers together^(A) and asked, “What should we do with the ark of Israel’s God?”

“The ark of Israel’s God should be moved to Gath,” they replied. So they moved the ark of Israel’s God.

¹¹ The Ekronites called all the Philistine rulers together.^(A) They said, “Send the ark of Israel’s God away. Let it return to its place so it won’t kill us and our people!” ^[a] For the fear of death pervaded the city; God’s hand was oppressing them.^(B)