What do we know about the Philistines?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Philistines, a formidable ancient people frequently opposing the Israelites, first appear in Genesis as descendants of Ham. Associated with the Sea Peoples due to their Mediterranean location, their origin remains largely unknown, though they interacted with biblical figures like Abraham and Isaac. Throughout biblical history, they posed a continual threat to Israel, serving as instruments of divine judgment during the period of the judges. Despite their power, they faced divine retribution, notably losing their dominance during King David's reign. The Philistines' worship of foreign gods led to their eventual disappearance, serving as a cautionary tale of God's judgment upon sin and the impermanence of earthly powers.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Philistines were a strong, warring people who often served as foes against the Israelites in the Bible. They were first listed in Genesis 10:14 among the descendants of Noah through his son Ham. Because of their location near the Mediterranean coast, the Philistines are often associated with the various Sea Peoples of ancient history. While much about their origin is unknown, the Bible mentions that the Philistines were in contact with both Abraham and Isaac around 2000 BC. They were specifically mentioned as being in the land where Abraham lived before he arrived. Genesis 21:34 states, "And Abraham sojourned many days in the land of the Philistines."
• After the time of Abraham and Isaac, the next mention of the Philistines is not found until after the Israelites had left slavery in Egypt. Exodus 13:17 notes, "When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near."
• Joshua 13:3 mentions five major cities of the Philistines. These cities had certainly been occupied for some time. While Israel took control of its land under Joshua's leadership, the Philistines would still pose a threat in the future.
• During the period of the judges, the Philistines are often mentioned as the means through which God brought judgment upon the Israelites for their sins. For example, Judges 13:1 notes, "And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, so the LORD gave them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years."
• In 1 Samuel 5 we find that the Philistines stole the ark of the covenant, though later returned it due to judgments that came upon them for doing so.
• During the reign of King David, the Philistines were removed from power against the Israelites for good (1 Samuel 7:12–14).
• The Philistines worshiped three gods: Ashtoreth, Dagon, and Baal-Zebub, dedicating shrines to each in various cities (Judges 16:23; 1 Samuel 5:1–7; 2 Kings 1:2).
• Ezekiel 25:16–17 notes the Lord's plans to wipe out the remaining Philistines during Ezekiel's time: "Behold, I will stretch out my hand against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites and destroy the rest of the seacoast. I will execute great vengeance on them with wrathful rebukes. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I lay my vengeance upon them." The Philistines indeed disappeared into the pages of history, just as the prophecy predicted.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The Philistines are not mentioned in the New Testament.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The history of the Philistines warns us of God’s judgment of sin. When we compromise our principles or adopt practices contrary to the Lord and His Word, we can be sure that He sees and will ultimately judge us. Jesus came to bring us abundant life (John 10:10). Living in sin and worshiping idols leads to enslavement, not freedom. The eventual disappearance of the Philistines serves as a sobering reminder of the transient nature of earthly powers and God’s judgment of sin. Despite their might and influence, the Philistines met their end as foretold by prophecy, emphasizing the assurance that righteousness and faithfulness will ultimately prevail.

UNDERSTAND

• Philistines, descendants of Ham, inhabited the Mediterranean coast, interacting with biblical figures like Abraham.
• The Philistines were formidable adversaries to the Israelites, notably during the period of judges and King David's reign.
• The Philistines' religious practices, including worship of multiple gods, are documented, and Ezekiel prophesied their eventual downfall, fulfilled by divine judgment.

REFLECT

• How does the story of the Philistines challenge your understanding of God's sovereignty and justice in dealing with sin?
• How does fear negatively impact your faith, and how can trusting in God calm your fears?
• How does the eventual disappearance of the Philistines serve as a reminder of the transient nature of worldly powers and the importance of prioritizing spiritual values over earthly pursuits in your own life?

ENGAGE

• Goliath was a Philistine who was defeated by young David (1 Samuel 17). David's trust in God's past faithfulness empowered him to face the giant, reminding us that when we intimately know and trust in God, no obstacle in our lives is insurmountable.
• How does the history of the Philistines shed light on the theme of divine judgment in the Bible?
• How did the Philistines' religious practices and culture affect their interactions with the Israelites?