The Philistines

The Philistines (Hebrew: פלשתים, plishtim) were an ancient people who lived on the southern coast of Canaan. Their territory was located in what is now the Gaza Strip and the area to its north, and it was later referred to in documents as “Philistia.” However, the Philistines were not indigenous to the land of Canaan. So, where did they come from? According to Genesis 10:7-14, “The sons of Ham: Cush, Egypt (Mizraim), Put, and Canaan… Mizraim was the father of… the Casluhites (from whom the Philistines came) and the Caphtorites.”

The Bible records that just as God led the Israelites from the east, across the Jordan River, into the Promised Land, He also led another group of people from the west to the same land. This group was the Philistines, who came from “Caphtor” (the island of Crete in the eastern Mediterranean). “As for the Avvites who lived in villages as far as Gaza, the Caphtorites coming out of Caphtor destroyed them and settled in their place” (Deuteronomy 2:23).

After the Israelites and Philistines entered Canaan, the Israelites lived in the mountains, while the Philistines lived on the coastal plains (today’s Gaza Strip, and Palestinians claim to be their descendants). The Philistines had five major cities: Gaza, Gath, Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Ekron. These cities are mentioned repeatedly in the Bible, and the Philistines were always great enemies of the Israelites. The biblical stories of Samuel, Samson, Saul, and David all involve significant conflicts between the Philistines and the Israelites. The Philistines long held a monopoly on iron forging technology and engaged in agriculture, livestock farming, and maritime trade on the coastal plain, growing ever stronger. In the 12th century BC, the Philistines began to expand inland, harassing and oppressing the Israelites. It was not until David’s two great victories in the Valley of Rephaim (2 Samuel 5:17-25) that the Philistines were subdued (2 Samuel 8:1). After the kingdom was divided, the Philistine incursions against the Southern Kingdom of Judah continued until the Babylonian exile (Ezekiel 25:15-17).

In Amos 9, God speaks through the prophet Amos, saying, “Are not you Israelites the same to me as the Cushites? ‘Did I not bring Israel up from Egypt, the Philistines from Caphtor and the Arameans from Kir?'” God not only brought the Israelites out of Egypt but also the Philistines out of Caphtor and the Arameans out of Kir. After they entered the Promised Land, God continued to guide the Israelites’ path, blessing them when they obeyed and using the surrounding Gentile nations to discipline them when they rebelled. God is the Lord of the whole earth, a righteous God, and all nations are under His control. He provides for all things to accomplish His salvation for all humanity.

Edited and compiled based on the Chinese Union Version of the Bible and a comprehensive biblical interpretation.