And the ark of the LORD was in the country of the Philistines seven months.
The ark ... was in the country of the Philistines seven months, х bisdeeh (H7704)] - in the field or cultivated plain of the Philistines. Notwithstanding the calamities which its presence had brought on the country and the people, the Philistine lords were unwilling to relinquish such a prize, and tried every means to return it with peace and safety, but in vain.