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The Philistines, Enemies of God

Judges 14-15

In 1920, "Palestine" as used to designate the portion of the Ottoman Empire mandated to Britain for oversight. But that name has its origins in a much older term—Philistia, mentioned 10 times in the Old Testament to refer to the coastal plains of Canaan inhabited by the warlike Philistines (mentioned 242 times).  The Philistines first surfaced in Israel's history when they caused Moses to turn south into the Sinai wilderness when leading the Hebrew slaves out of Egypt to avoid an encounter and certain massacre (Exodus 13:17). The Philistines' well-deserved reputation for ferocity made them a thorn in Israel's side for hundreds of years.

The Philistines apparently originated in Caphtor, an ancient name for the island of Crete (Jeremiah 47:4; Amos 9:7). A seagoing people, they established key cities along the coastal plain of Canaan (Joshua 13:3; 1 Samuel 6:17). They were also technically advanced compared to the Hebrews with their chariots and metal weapons and charged the Israelites exorbitant prices to sharpen their farming tools (1 Samuel 13:19-22). And the Philistines did not take kindly to the purpose for the Hebrews invading Canaan—to drive them, and all other Canaanite peoples, out of the land. This sets up the ongoing conflict that occupies the period of the judges in Israel's history (see the book of Judges).

The Philistines remained in their cities throughout their conflicts with the Hebrew judges—their encounters with Samson being the most well-known. Even Israel's first king, Saul, was not able to defeat the Philistines. It was not until David replaced Saul as king that the Philistines were subjugated through David's, and then Solomon's, reigns. Following the death of Solomon and the divided kingdom of Israel, the Philistines regained a measure of prominence.

The Philistines are the prime example of the warning of Numbers 33:55: The inhabitants of Canaan not driven out of the land would remain as "irritants" and "thorns" and "harass" Israel in her land.

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