1 – In the last chapter, the Philistines looked to their political leaders for advice about what to do with the ark of the covenant. See verses 5, 8 and 11. This time they ask the religious leaders, why? See verse 6:2. What advice do the religious leaders suggest? Why a guilt offering? What do the offerings represent? Why?

2 – How does the ark narrative compare with the Exodus? What do the religious leaders mean, "Don't harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh did?" What other parallels do you see?

3 – In verses 7-8, how is the return of the ark organized in a way that makes it incredibly unlikely to succeed? Why? What does it prove?

4 – What did the Israelites of Beth-shemesh do right? What did they do wrong? What happened? Why?

5 – The people of Beth-shemesh ask, "Who can stand before the Lord, this holy God?" What do they mean? What's the answer? How is it possible for anyone to stand before the holy God?