Philistia was the coastal strip southwest of Canaan, between the Mediterranean Sea and the hills of the Shephelah. There lived the Philistines, a people from the sea who settled in the region around the 12th century BC.
Five cities formed the heart of Philistia: Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron and Gath. Each had its own ruler, and together they formed a military confederation feared by Israel.
Throughout the Old Testament, Philistia appears as the main adversary of God’s people. It was there that Isaac lived for a time, amid disputes over water wells with King Abimelech.
It was there too that Samson fought his solitary battle against Israel’s enemies, and where the ark of the covenant remained for several months after being captured in battle.
Later, David found refuge among the Philistines when fleeing from Saul, accepting the protection of the king of Gath. Philistia was, at the same time, a battlefield and an unexpected shelter.
The prophets announced judgment on this land, but also promised that one day it would belong to the remnant of Judah. The history of Philistia reminds us that no people, however strong, escapes God’s plan for the nations.
