The Philistines realised that they needed to return the Ark to its rightful place. They inquired of their own "wise men" (diviners) about how to do this. They advised them to send gifts, a five gold tumours and rats (rats would have spread the disease), were made.
They got a new cart together, and two unyoked cattle.
Now we might be surprised that the Bible is presenting diviners in something of a positive light, as divination is strictly forbidden in the Law. However, God will often use the "wisdom" of the people to reveal Himself to them, and to bring glory to His name. Remember the wise men from the East who were astrologers, another forbidden practice.
The Ark duly returned to Israel, and the Levites took charge of it. Some of the people of Beth Shemesh looked into the ark, and they were struck down. The judgement of the Lord comes against all men, there is no favouritism. So they too had no better idea how to handle the ark of the Lord than did the Philistines.
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