Definition and Etymology:
Palestina, often referred to as Philistia in some translations, is a term used in the Bible to denote the land of the Philistines. The name "Palestina" is derived from the Hebrew word "Peleshet," which refers to the region along the southern coast of Canaan, inhabited by the Philistines. This area is roughly equivalent to the modern-day Gaza Strip and parts of the southern coastal plain of Israel.

Biblical References:
The term "Palestina" appears in the Bible primarily in poetic and prophetic contexts. In Exodus 15:14 , during the Song of Moses, it is mentioned: "The nations will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the dwellers of Philistia." This passage highlights the fear and awe that the surrounding nations, including the Philistines, would experience upon witnessing God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt.

In Isaiah 14:29-31 , the prophet Isaiah delivers an oracle against Philistia: "Do not rejoice, all you Philistines, that the rod that struck you is broken, for from the root of the snake will spring up a viper, and its fruit will be a darting, venomous serpent." This prophecy warns the Philistines not to celebrate the downfall of their oppressors, as greater calamity is foretold to come upon them.

Historical Context:
The Philistines were a seafaring people, believed to have originated from the Aegean region, who settled along the coastal areas of Canaan around the 12th century BC. They established five major city-states: Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath. These cities formed a pentapolis, a confederation that played a significant role in the history of ancient Israel.

Throughout the period of the Judges and the early monarchy in Israel, the Philistines were a constant threat and adversary. Notable biblical figures such as Samson (Judges 13-16) and King David (1 Samuel 17) had significant interactions with the Philistines. The Philistines are often depicted as a formidable military power, possessing advanced weaponry and chariots.

Theological Significance:
In the biblical narrative, the Philistines often symbolize the pagan nations that opposed God's chosen people, Israel. Their interactions with Israel serve as a backdrop for demonstrating God's power and faithfulness in delivering His people from their enemies. The Philistines' worship of deities such as Dagon (1 Samuel 5) contrasts with the monotheistic worship of Yahweh by the Israelites.

The prophetic pronouncements against Philistia, as seen in Isaiah and other prophets, underscore the theme of divine justice and the ultimate triumph of God's purposes over the nations. These prophecies serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all peoples and His commitment to His covenant with Israel.

Cultural and Archaeological Insights:
Archaeological discoveries in the region of ancient Philistia have provided valuable insights into Philistine culture and society. Excavations at sites like Ashkelon and Ekron have uncovered artifacts, inscriptions, and architectural remains that reveal a sophisticated and influential civilization. The Philistines are noted for their distinctive pottery, known as Philistine ware, and their contributions to the cultural and economic life of the region.

The study of Philistine history and culture continues to shed light on the complex interactions between the Israelites and their neighbors, enriching our understanding of the biblical narrative and the historical context of the ancient Near East.Palestina

which is covered; watered; or brings and causes ruin

PALESTINA

pal-es-ti'-na (pelesheth): Exodus 15:14 Isaiah 14:29, 31 the King James Version; changed in the Revised Version (British and American) to PHILISTIA (which see).

6429. Pelesheth -- a territory on the S. Mediterranean coast of ...
... Palestina, Palestine, Philistia, Philistines. From palash; rolling, ie Migratory;
Pelesheth, a region of Syria -- Palestina, Palestine, Philistia, Philistines. ...
/hebrew/6429.htm - 6k

The First Apology of Justin, the Martyr
... men of every nation who are unjustly hated and reviled, I, Justin, son of Priscus
and grandson of Bacchius, of Flavia Neapolis in Syria Palestina, being myself ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the first apology of justin.htm

Psalm 60
... Judah gives laws for me; ^8Moab's my washing-pot; my shoe. I'll over Edom throw;
And over Palestina's land. I will in triumph go. ^9O who is he will bring me to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 60.htm

Alexander.
... of Alexander takes place "with the common consent of the bishops of the neighboring
churches," or, as Jerome puts it, cunctis in Palestina episcopis in unum ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pamphilius/church history/chapter xi alexander.htm

At Gerasa - the Healing of the Demonised.
... placed. [2901] Comp. Tristram's Land of Israel,' p. 465; B??deker's (Socin)
Palestina, p. 267. The objection in Riehm's Handw??rterb. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxv at gerasa -.htm

The Great Slaughters and Sacrilege that were in Jerusalem.
... Hist. V. ch.6.7, which the great Reland takes to be the very truth, both
in his note on this place, and in his Palestina, tom. I ...
/.../chapter 13 the great slaughters.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... subdued before them." Compare also xxi.44, xxii.4, where it is remarked that at
that time "the Lord gave them rest round about." (See Bachiene, Palestina ii.3 ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

Palestina (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia PALESTINA. pal-es-ti'-na ... which see).
Multi-Version Concordance Palestina (3 Occurrences). Exodus 15 ...
/p/palestina.htm - 7k

Lily (9 Occurrences)
... Of the true "floral glories of Palestine" the pheasant's eye (Adonis Palestina),
the ranunuculus (R. Asiaticus), and the anemone (A coronaria), the last named ...
/l/lily.htm - 15k

Tirzah (17 Occurrences)
... Buhl (Geographic des alten Palestina, 203) favors et-tireh, on the West of the plain
of Makhneh, 4 miles South of Nablus, which he identifies with the Tira ...
/t/tirzah.htm - 14k

Dissolved (12 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 14:31 Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, art dissolved: for
there shall come from the north a smoke, and none shall be alone in his ...
/d/dissolved.htm - 10k

Pales (1 Occurrence)

/p/pales.htm - 6k

Caesarea (20 Occurrences)
... Palestine. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CAESAREA. ses-a-re'-a,
se-za-re'-a (Kaisareia): (1) Caesarea Palestina (pal-es-ti'na). The ...
/c/caesarea.htm - 20k

Cockatrice (3 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 14:29 Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote
thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice ...
/c/cockatrice.htm - 10k

Ramothgilead (19 Occurrences)
... Buhl (Geographic des Alten Palestina, 261;) favors el-Jil`ad, a ruined site on a
hill South of the Jabbok; see GILEAD, (1). Eusebius and Jerome (Onomasticon ...
/r/ramothgilead.htm - 19k

Ramoth-gilead (20 Occurrences)
... Buhl (Geographic des Alten Palestina, 261;) favors el-Jil`ad, a ruined site on a
hill South of the Jabbok; see GILEAD, (1). Eusebius and Jerome (Onomasticon ...
/r/ramoth-gilead.htm - 20k

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