Nation
The Philistines
A people connected with the line of Mizraim and Casluhim who occupied the southern coastal plain and repeatedly opposed Israel.
A people connected with the line of Mizraim and Casluhim who occupied the southern coastal plain and repeatedly opposed Israel. Scripture first names the group at Genesis 10:14.
The people in Scripture
A people connected with the line of Mizraim and Casluhim who occupied the southern coastal plain and repeatedly opposed Israel.
Biblical record
Their first recorded mention is Genesis 10:14. Later references on this page describe the group’s place, actions, or descendants as Scripture presents them.
People of Philistines
Abimelech, King of Gerar
King of Gerar who made covenants with Abraham and Isaac
A Philistine ruler of Gerar who interacted with the patriarchs Abraham and Isaac, establishing early covenants and demonstrating a fear of God.
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Achish
King of Gath who protected David from Saul and gave him the city of Ziklag
The Philistine King of Gath who provided refuge to David during his flight from King Saul and later employed him as a mercenary.
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Ahuzzath
Adviser to Abimelech who witnessed the covenant with Isaac
An adviser to Abimelech, king of the Philistines, who accompanied the monarch during a diplomatic meeting with the patriarch Isaac in Gerar.
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Goliath
Philistine giant killed by David in the Valley of Elah
A champion warrior from Gath of enormous stature who served in the Philistine army during the reign of King Saul.
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Huge Man of Gath
Giant warrior of Gath with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot
A giant warrior of Gath and descendant of Rapha, noted for having twenty-four digits and fighting against Israel during the United Monarchy.
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Ishbi-benob
Giant who attempted to kill King David during the Philistine wars
A giant of the Rapha family who nearly killed King David during the United Monarchy before being slain by Abishai.
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Ittai the Gittite
Philistine commander who remained loyal to David during Absalom's rebellion
A Philistine commander from Gath who demonstrated profound loyalty to King David during Absalom’s rebellion, eventually commanding a third of David's army.
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Lahmi
Brother of Goliath who was killed by Elhanan
A Philistine warrior and brother of Goliath who was killed by Elhanan during the wars of King David’s reign.
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Maoch
Philistine father of Achish the King of Gath
Maoch was a Philistine royal father whose son, Achish, served as the King of Gath during the reigns of King Saul and King Solomon.
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Samson's Timnite Wife
Philistine woman whose marriage to Samson led to his first major conflict with the Philistines
A Philistine woman from Timnah whose marriage to Samson sparked a cycle of violence between Israel and the Philistines during the Period of the Judges.
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Saph
Philistine giant and descendant of Rapha who was slain by Sibbecai the Hushathite
A Philistine warrior of giant stature and a descendant of Rapha who was slain by Sibbecai the Hushathite during the wars of King David.
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