The answer is: It was carried on a cart pulled by cows

1 Samuel 6:10-12 - The cows pulled the cart along the road to Beth Shemesh

In 1 Samuel 6, the story of the Ark of the Covenant's return is not just a thrilling track of divine favor; it's filled with unexpected twists that shine a new light on its significance. When the Philistines discovered that keeping the Ark brought them misfortune—crop failures and painful plagues—they decided it was time to send it back to Israel. Rather than risk a runaway caravan, they enlisted two dairy cows to pull the cart, which is quite metaphorical when you think about it. Cows, usually wired to their calves, marched straight on, indicating a divine guiding hand, choosing to go in a direction against instinct. Fascinating, right?

Beth Shemesh, remarkably, was a Levitical city—a place for priests and worship, so the return of the Ark to a holy site resonates deeply with themes of order and divine intervention in biblical narratives. Further, passing over the story in the context of Israel’s national identity pinpoints the Ark’s importance: it represented not mere presence but the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Fun trivia: the act of cows yielding, even against their motherly bonds, reflects the notions of sacrifice and obedience, palpable themes strewn all along biblical discourse. Notably, the return marked an era of victory and restoration for Israel, only to pivot as it grappled with its own leadership and desire for a king in the following chapters. Reflect on how even in chaos, symbols of hope and hallmark narratives venture bravely forward.