The ark humbles Dagon and returns
In Ashdod the idol Dagon fell on its face before the ark, plagues struck each Philistine city, and after seven months the Philistines sent the ark back.
When they arose early on the following morning, behold, Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground before Yahweh’s ark; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off on the threshold. Only Dagon’s torso was intact.
1 Samuel 5:4 (World English Bible)
The Philistines put the ark on a cart pulled by two nursing cows, which headed straight for Israel's border at Beth Shemesh, lowing as they went. The ark stayed at Kiriath Jearim for twenty years.
Places
GibeahGathGazaAshdodEkronKiriath-jearimBeth-shemeshAshkelonEbenezer
Dating notes
Seven months in Philistine territory (1 Samuel 6:1). Ussher, 1116 BC.