Sizing Up the Philistine Threat

PETER PAUL RUBENS

The Hebrew Bible frequently emphasizes the strength of the Philistines and their military dominance over early Israel (Judges 13; 1 Samuel 4; 31). Yet there is little archaeological evidence to support these claims. Although there doubtless were times when the Philistines were dominant, such as Gath’s control over the Shephelah during the tenth and ninth centuries BCE, we do not find evidence of new or extensive weaponry at Philistine sites, and Philistine walls and fortifications are generally no stronger or more impressive than those found in ancient Judah or Israel. And, despite the biblical tradition identifying the Philistines with giant warriors (e.g., Goliath and his family), there are as yet no burials that indicate the Philistines were taller or stronger than any of their neighbors.

It would appear, rather, that the biblical image of a mighty and feared enemy was exaggerated for ideological reasons: The Philistines’ military power and frightening character served to emphasize the power and dominance of Israel’s God over even the fiercest enemies. Such is the case involving biblical traditions (like the story of Goliath) that were written down during David’s time and later, when the Philistines no longer dominated Israel and Judah and were therefore viewed as a once mighty force that had been vanquished by the hand of Yahweh.