1 Kingdoms (1 Samuel) 5:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The ark, dear brethren, represents the acceptance of humanity, which the Lord uniquely united with His Divinity, much like how the ark contained the sacred items, including the tablets, the jar of manna, and Aaron's staff. The capture of the ark by the people of Azotus signifies that the Lord, too, was seized by humanity; He descended into the depths and engaged with the deceased, who can rightly be seen as the occupants of Azotus, lacking the gift of life.