Topical Bible: Sea of the Philistines

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Sea of the Philistines" is a designation found in biblical literature referring to the Mediterranean Sea, particularly the portion adjacent to the land historically inhabited by the Philistines. The Philistines were an ancient people known for their conflicts with the Israelites, and they occupied the coastal region of Canaan, which is present-day southwestern Israel and the Gaza Strip.

Biblical References and Geography

The phrase "Sea of the Philistines" is not directly quoted in the Berean Standard Bible; however, the concept is derived from the geographical context of the Philistine territory. The Philistines settled in the coastal cities of Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath, which were part of the Pentapolis. This region bordered the Mediterranean Sea, which was a significant body of water for trade, travel, and military endeavors in the ancient Near East.

In the Bible, the Mediterranean Sea is often referred to as the "Great Sea" (Numbers 34:6, Joshua 1:4) or simply "the sea" (Ezekiel 47:10). The association with the Philistines arises from their dominance in the coastal areas, making the sea an integral part of their territory and influence.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Philistines are believed to have been part of the Sea Peoples, a confederation of naval raiders who settled in the coastal regions of Canaan around the 12th century BC. Their presence in the area is well-documented in both biblical and extrabiblical sources, including Egyptian records. The Philistines were known for their advanced iron technology and their conflicts with the Israelites, as depicted in the narratives of Samson, Samuel, and David.

The Mediterranean Sea, as the "Sea of the Philistines," played a crucial role in the economic and military activities of the Philistines. It provided a route for trade and cultural exchange with other Mediterranean civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Phoenicians, and Greeks. The sea also served as a strategic advantage in their conflicts with neighboring peoples, including the Israelites.

Theological Significance

In the biblical narrative, the Philistines often represent the pagan cultures surrounding Israel, against which the Israelites struggled to maintain their covenantal identity and faithfulness to Yahweh. The proximity of the "Sea of the Philistines" to the land of Israel symbolizes the constant threat and influence of foreign powers and ideologies.

The Philistines' control of the coastal region and their access to the sea underscore the challenges faced by the Israelites in securing their God-given inheritance. The biblical accounts of battles and interactions with the Philistines highlight themes of divine deliverance, judgment, and the sovereignty of God over the nations.

Conclusion

While the term "Sea of the Philistines" is not explicitly found in the Berean Standard Bible, the concept is rooted in the geographical and historical context of the Philistine presence along the Mediterranean coast. This sea was a vital component of the Philistine territory and played a significant role in their interactions with the Israelites and other ancient civilizations.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

Sea of the Philistines

SEA OF THE PHILISTINES

See MEDITERRANEAN SEA.

Library

How David Brought under the Philistines, and the Moabites, and the ...
... a good state, he removed from Jerusalem, and came against the Philistines; and when ...
Solomon made that large vessel which was called The [Brazen] Sea, and those ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how david brought.htm

Israel in Canaan.
... In the latter part of this time, their chief enemies were the Philistines,
in the borders of Simeon and Judah, near the sea. These ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson v israel in canaan.htm

A Path in the Sea
... The ark, which slew Philistines, and flung Dagon prone on his own threshold, brought
blessing to the house of Obededom. ... The sea is not divided in a moment. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a path in the sea.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... xx.16 also mentions in juxtaposition with the Philistines the Cherethites, and
"the remnant of the sea-coast," as objects of God's vengeance for the many evils ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

How the Hebrews under the Conduct of Moses Left Egypt.
... not along the road that tended to the land of the Philistines, but he ... might fly,
shutting them up [29] between inaccessible precipices and the sea; for there ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 how the hebrews.htm

The Story of Samson, the Strong Man
... These people, the Philistines, sent their armies up from the plain beside
the sea to the mountains of Israel and overran all the land. ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of samson the.htm

Concerning Jeroboam King of Israel and Jonah the Prophet; and How ...
... He made an expedition also against the Philistines, and overcame them in battle,
and took the ... He also built a city upon the Red Sea, and put a garrison into it ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 concerning jeroboam king.htm

But on the Day Before the People Went Out of Egypt...
... Sea lay between, the way led by [278] the land of the Philistines, in order ... the command
of God they turned aside, and journeyed towards the Red Sea, where they ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xv but on the.htm

The First Apostle of Peace at any Price
... to be at peace with him.' But Isaac won more than the Philistines' favour by ... charmed
wave' of a heart stilled from strife and wrath, like a quiet summer's sea. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the first apostle of peace.htm

A Sight of Judea
... four parts:"namely, into the country, which formerly was the Philistines', which
takes ... a valley, lower than the plain,"namely, the coast of the sea of Sodom ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 9 a sight of.htm