Samuel was a precursor of the eighth century B.C. prophets. The Israelites bring the ark to the battle front. The second battle is lost, the ark captured, and Eli's sons are killed. The Philistine god Dagon is destroyed. Three Philistine cities where the ark is kept are devastated by tumors.
Philistines pay reparations.
The ark back in Israel. Death strikes Beth Shemesh. The ark is moved to Kiriathjearim. The people return to Yahweh and prosper. Read II Samuel 1 20. 2.