שמואל א, פרק ו׳, פסוק ט״ז

After escorting the Ark of the Covenant from a distance, the five Philistine leaders reached a firm conclusion about the disaster that had recently devastated their people. By carefully observing the unfolding events, they realized beyond any doubt that the severe plague they had suffered was a direct punishment from God. Once they witnessed the safe arrival of the Ark and the subsequent offering of sacrifices, they considered the entire ordeal to be officially resolved [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

With their doubts settled, the leaders immediately traveled back to Ekron, which served as their central gathering place [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Their ability to complete this return journey before nightfall reveals an additional miracle that occurred during the event. Despite the vast distance they traveled and the time they spent lingering in Beth Shemesh to watch the sacrifices, they somehow managed to complete the entire long round trip in a single day [מלבי״ם].