But of course the narrative is now only at its beginning. Now Israel, according to the narrative, moves beyond the symmetrical calculus of covenant. The Israelites, routed and bewildered in their defeat, make a second effort against the Philistines (4:3–11). They bring the ark of the covenant into the battle camp, the ark upon which sits the invisible deity in whom Israel has complete confidence. The stakes are upped considerably by the palpable presence of YHWH, as the narrative now moves beyond