12 And the cows took the straight way in the direction of Beth-shemesh ; they went along the highway , lowing as they went , and did not turn aside to the right or to the left . And the lords of the Philistines followed e them to the border of Beth-shemesh .

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:12

Commentary on 1 Samuel 6:10-18

(Read 1 Samuel 6:10-18)

These two kine knew their owner, their great Owner, whom Hophin and Phinehas knew not. God's providence takes notice even of brute creatures, and serves its own purposes by them. When the reapers saw the ark, they rejoiced; their joy for that was greater than the joy of harvest. The return of the ark, and the revival of holy ordinances, after days of restraint and trouble, are matters of great joy.