The word translated “coffer,” ’argaz, occurs only this once in the entire OT. ’Argaz is known to have been a Philistine word for the “box” of a cart. The Philistines had neither uncovered the ark nor looked inside it (PP 589), thus showing greater respect than did the men of the priestly city of Beth-shemesh, who received it back. How many times God must look with great concern on the lack of respect shown by nominal Christians toward sacred things. How many times heathen people put Christians to shame by the attitude they manifest when in the presence of the supernatural! It seems that the offerings of gold were carefully placed in some kind of purse or bag that could be securely fastened to either the staves by which the ark was carried or the shroud with which it was covered.