The Philistines -- By: Russell Dell

Journal: Central Bible Quarterly
Volume: CENQ 21:2 (Summer 1978)
Article: The Philistines
Author: Russell Dell


The Philistines

Russell Dell

Pillsbury Baptist Bible College Owatonna, Minnesota

Introduction

The nation of Israel came into contact with several other peoples as they came out of Egypt into the Promised Land. One of these is called the Philistines. They left their mark in the land of Canaan which is today known as Palestine—a name etymologically related to the term Philistine. It is this people that will be considered in this paper.

Three areas of consideration are explored in this study. The first is the origin of the Philistines. There is some enigma about their origin. They are mentioned in Genesis 10:14 as coming from Caphtor and Casluhim. These two words will be investigated which is of some value in determining origin. The second and most significant source of information comes from archaeological clues. Pottery becomes the most significant tracer of the migratory flow of Sea Peoples of which the Philistines are a part. Other significant artifacts are the Medinet Habur which is a document praising Ramses III for his suppression of the Philistines. The Phaestos Disk found on the island of Crete is another significant informant.

The second consideration is given to the Philistines’ occupation of the eastern Mediterranean coastline—Philistia. The geographical area lent itself to their strength in Palestine. This consideration is problematic in dating their occupation of that area. Some date the Philistines as first arriving there in the thirteenth century. This presents a problem inasmuch as Abraham and Isaac have contact with the Philistines. Is this an anachronism or is the inspiration of Scripture upheld? They had significant effect and even control over the nation Israel. They served notice to Israel of their strength several times during the times of the judges. Their strength continued to be felt during Saul’s and David’s reign and would after that time.

The third area of consideration is their life and culture. Their religion, industrial development, method of warfare, and their pottery are all informative of certain facets of the Philistines’ way of life.

The Origin Of the Philistines

The exact origin of the Philistine people is somewhat enigmatic although not without any evidence. In attempting to trace their origins, there are three areas of consideration which provide evidence of their origin. These are: 1) their name; 2) Biblical name places concerning their origin; and 3) archaeological clues given in tracing the Philistines from Palestine backwards to the places from which they came. The last one is an artifactual source.

Their Name

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