In Israel, a guilt offering served as a payment to atone for unintentional sins (cf. Leviticus 5:14 – 6:7).1 It may be that this idea was common among the people of the ancient Near East and that the Philistines were seeking to atone for the fact that they took the ark when they should have left it in Israel. To their minds monetary compensation had to be paid to prevent further suffering (see Exodus 11:2; Exodus 12:35–36).2 If Israel’s Lord is responsible for their calamities, he must be placated and his wrath had to be turned,3 and gold offerings were means of giving him the honour that he is due.4
3 They said, “If you send away the ark of the God of Israel, do not send it empty, but by all means return him a guilt offering. Then you will be healed, and it will be known to you why his hand does not turn away from you.”