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 return of the Ark of the Covenant really captures our attention – not just because of its significance, but also because of how it was transported. Imagine this scene: five golden tumors and five golden mice were sent along as guilt offerings by the people of Philistia who wanted to get rid of the Ark after its time wreaking havoc among them. Their solution? A pair of milking cows, which had just calved and had never been harnessed, were hitched to a cart.

Now, here's the lowdown – if you’re a lover of quirky details, cows generally wouldn’t veer far from their calves, yet these obedient creatures, when guided, took the Ark all the way to Beth Shemesh. It’s like a supernatural GPS system was in action! It highlights a fascinating biblical world where animals and divine authority intertwine.

What makes this story even cooler is that unyielding obedience often symbolized a biblical theme. Just as the cows were led impressively to their destination, humans too carry their burdens and discover their purpose.

Beth Shemesh, the chosen destination, had importance too! It’s known as a town of priests and a significant location for worship in Israel. The Israelites celebrated the Ark’s return, with joy serving as the ultimate metaphor for a communal comeback. You can practically see everyone cheering for this epic reunion of sacred objects and nations!