The concept of Philistine in Christianity
According to Christianity, the Philistines refer to an ancient group known for their five princely cities, including Gath and Askelon, and significant historical conflicts with the Israelites. They are recognized for capturing the Ark of the Covenant, defeating Israel in battles, and their rivalry with figures like Samson and Saul. The Philistines controlled territories along the Mediterranean coast and were viewed as enemies of Israel, symbolizing a lasting conflict that shaped biblical narratives, particularly during the time of the Judges and early monarchy.
Synonyms: Barbarian, Uncultured person, Ignorant person, Simpleton, Ignoramus
In French: Philistin; In Swedish: 贵颈濒颈蝉迟茅; In Malay: Orang Filistin; In Spanish: Filisteo; In German: Philister; In Finnish: Filistealainen; In Dutch: Filistijn
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Philistine'
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) The people who the Israelites were meant to avoid, as their presence could lead to a retreat back to Egypt.[1] (2) This is a group of people that Ashdod was a city of, and the town was the chief of their five states and the location of the worship of Dagon.[2] (3) One of the groups that grew bold and invaded the land, spoiling its substance, as a consequence of the actions and choices made by Jehoram during his reign.[3] (4) The children of Israel were sold into the hands of these people, along with the children of Ammon, due to their actions.[4] (5) This group of people had a city called Askelon, which served as a seat for one of their five states, located on the Mediterranean coast and also close to the shore, which was assigned to the tribe of Judah.[5]
From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository
(1) Uzziah was a biting "serpent" to the Philistines, breaking down their walls and building cities, avenging Judah's invasion by them, as detailed in the text.[6] (2) The enemies of the Israelites, whom David fought and defeated, including the slaying of Goliath.[7] (3) These were the people who captured the ark, and it represents Messiah's temporary captivity in the grave, but with ultimate triumph.[8] (4) These people held a long strip of seacoast plain and are referenced in the text in relation to the area of Palestine, with their territory's boundaries and their interactions with other groups in the region.[9] (5) The Philistines are people who are described as having origins from Caphtor and Casluhim, both of whom originated from Mizraim, also known as Egypt, and they are mentioned in historical and religious contexts.[10]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) This refers to a group of people against whom a king achieved successes, as mentioned in the text.[11] (2) These were the enemies of the Israelites, against whom Jonathan, the son of Saul, fought and led a successful campaign.[12] (3) The Philistines, upon hearing that Israel had a king, naturally endeavoured to crush him, and Saul was compelled to repel an invasion from them soon after his accession.[13] (4) This is the name of the people who fought against the Israelites, and David had battles with them, including the famous encounter with Goliath.[14] (5) This group of people inhabited the important Maritime Plain, and were a distinct people from the Israelites.[15]
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) These are the enemies of the individual and his men, who held his native place, Bethlehem.[16] (2) This phrase identifies the group that desecrated Saul's body and took his armor, showcasing their victory and disrespect.[17] (3) They are mentioned as enemies of the Israelites, and the need to save the people from their hand is presented as a motive for God's action in selecting a king.[18] (4) This term refers to a member of the Philistine group, often used to represent the enemy in the narrative, highlighting the conflict and struggle between opposing forces.[19] (5) The group of people who were in conflict with Isaac, stopping his wells, and ultimately seeking alliance with him, showing a change in attitude.[20]
From: The Kebra Nagast
(1) The Philistines are the people over whom Akamhel becomes king, and their kingdom is passed down to his descendants.[21] (2) This refers to the people who were reigned over by the seed of Samson and also were in conflict with Samson, who delivered Israel from their hand.[22] (3) The individuals, along with the Tyrians, and the people of Ethiopia, who were born without the Law, would be given the Law.[23] (4) This group of people are described as the enemies of Israel, who captured Zion, and suffered because of it.[24] (5) The Philistines are a group of people who are mentioned in the context of the Ark of the Covenant, and Samson's conflict.[25]
From: The Book of the Bee
(1) The Philistines are a group of people who went forth from Casluhim, representing a lineage or ancestral connection within a larger family structure.[26]
From: The Book of the Cave of Treasures
(1) A group of people who engaged in conflict with Saul, ultimately resulting in his death, as they were responsible for his demise due to his actions.[27]
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) The Philistines are mentioned as a group that ruled the people for a certain duration, contributing to the historical timeline within the text.[28]