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)