Philistines - Philistines in The Bible

Philistines in The Bible

The Hebrew text of Genesis 10:14, with regard to the descendants of Mizraim, reads "we'et Petrusim we'et Kesluhim 'esher yats'u misham Filistim we'et Keftorim." Literally, it says that those whom Mizraim begat included "the Pathrusim, Casluhim (out of whom came the Philistines), and the Caphtorim". There is some debate among interpreters as to whether this verse was originally intended to signify that the Philistines themselves were the offspring of the Casluhim or the Caphtorim.

The Torah does not record the Philistines as one of the nations to be displaced from Canaan. In Genesis 15:18-21 the Philistines are absent from the ten nations Abraham's descendants will displace as well as being absent from the list of nations Moses tells the people they will conquer (Deut. 7:1, 20:17). God also intentionally directed the Israelites away from the Philistines upon their exit from Egypt according to Exodus 13:17. In Genesis 21, Abraham agreed a covenant of kindness with the Philistine king Avimelech and his descendants.

Also, Samson killed many Philistines and had many skirmishes with them.

A few biblical texts, such as the Ark Narrative and stories reflecting the importance of Gath, seem to portray Late Iron I and Early Iron II memories. They are mentioned over 250 times, the majority in the Deuteronomistic history (the series of "history" books from Joshua to 2 Kings), and are depicted as the archenemies of the Israelites, a serious and recurring threat before being subdued by David.

The following is a list of battles recorded in the Bible between Israel and the Philistines:

• The Battle of Shephelah.
• Israel defeated at the Battle of Aphek, Philistines capture the Ark of the Covenant (1 Samuel 4:1–10)—see Eben-Ezer; Aphek.
• Philistines defeated at the Battle of Eben-Ezer (1 Samuel 7:3–14).
• Skirmish at Michmash, Philistines routed by Jonathan and his men (1 Samuel 14).
• Near the Valley of Elah, David defeats Goliath in single combat (1 Samuel 17).

In 2 Kings 18:5-8, Hezekiah defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza and its territory.