By Dr. Don Bierle, FaithSearch President

Goliath was identified with the Philistines – all nine-and-one-half feet of him! His equally giant brother, Lahmi, and other family giants Eshbi-Benob, Sippai, Saph, and an un-named giant with polydactylism (twelve fingers and twelve toes) from the city of Gath, are all identified in 2 Samuel 21:16-22. They were feared Philistine warriors from whom the Israel army fled and “were greatly afraid” (1 Samuel 17:24). [For the question of the reality of biblical giants, see my article on “Giants” in Happ-O-getics 1:6.]

When you think of the formidable Philistines, you must also associate them with the Israeli names of Samson and David. They were also quite “formidable.” In this article, I will review the history of the Philistines and their encounters with Israel. It is interesting that the enemies of Israel seem to gather along the eastern coastline of the Mediterranean (see the map). That is where the Philistine empire was located, including present day Gaza. They were a people of war.

Which Philistines?

There are no living people who are ethnically Philistine: the Philistines became an extinct ancient people already in the fifth century BC. Their history, while complicated, has recently gained new clarity. The following will provide an insightful summary.