Topical Encyclopedia The Philistines, an ancient people who inhabited the coastal regions of Canaan, are frequently mentioned in the Bible as adversaries of the Israelites. Their acts of revenge against Israel are notable events that illustrate the ongoing conflict between these two groups. The Philistines' desire for revenge often stemmed from their interactions and battles with the Israelites, which were marked by cycles of aggression and retaliation.One of the most prominent instances of Philistine revenge is found in the narrative of Samson, a judge of Israel. Samson's exploits against the Philistines are recorded in the Book of Judges. After Samson's marriage to a Philistine woman ended in betrayal and violence, he sought revenge by burning the Philistines' crops: "Then Samson went out and caught three hundred foxes, and he took torches, turned the foxes tail to tail, and put a torch between each pair of tails. Then he lit the torches and released the foxes into the standing grain of the Philistines, burning up the shocks and standing grain, along with the vineyards and olive groves" (Judges 15:4-5). In retaliation, the Philistines sought revenge against Samson by attacking the people of Judah, demanding that they surrender Samson to them. The men of Judah, fearing further Philistine aggression, bound Samson and delivered him to the Philistines. However, Samson broke free and struck down a thousand Philistine men with the jawbone of a donkey (Judges 15:14-15). The cycle of revenge continued with the Philistines' capture and humiliation of Samson. After Delilah, a Philistine woman, discovered the secret of Samson's strength, the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes, and imprisoned him. During a Philistine celebration in their temple, Samson prayed to God for strength one last time and brought down the temple, killing many Philistines along with himself (Judges 16:28-30). Another significant episode of Philistine revenge is seen in the aftermath of the battle of Mount Gilboa, where King Saul and his sons were killed. The Philistines, upon finding Saul's body, took revenge by desecrating it: "They cut off his head and stripped off his armor, and they sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines to proclaim the news in the temple of their idols and among their people" (1 Samuel 31:9). They displayed Saul's armor in the temple of Ashtoreths and fastened his body to the wall of Beth-shan, an act of humiliation and triumph over their enemy. The Philistines' acts of revenge are emblematic of the broader conflict between them and the Israelites, characterized by a cycle of violence and retribution. These narratives highlight the Philistines' role as persistent adversaries in the biblical history of Israel, often serving as instruments of divine judgment or as foils to the Israelites' faithfulness and reliance on God. Nave's Topical Index Ezekiel 25:15Thus said the Lord GOD; Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy it for the old hatred; Nave's Topical Index Library Saul Envies David for his Glorious Success, and Takes an Occasion ... At that Time Samson Ruled Over the Hebrews, the Philistines Having ... Concerning the Fortitude of Samson, and what Mischiefs He Brought ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Samson who did to Others as they did to Him The Reign of David. The Sixth Commandment The Kingdom of all Israel. How David, when He had Twice the Opportunity of Killing Saul did ... Book 5 Footnotes Resources What does the Bible say about revenge? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the law of retribution? | GotQuestions.org What does Psalm 137:9 mean when it says, “Happy is the one who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks”? | GotQuestions.org Revenge: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Revenge: Be Thankful for Being Kept from Taking Revenge: Christ an Example of Forbearing Revenge: Forbidden by Our Lord Revenge: Inconsistent With Christian Spirit Revenge: Inconsistent With the Will of Christ Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Bless Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Exercise Forbearance Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Exhibit Love Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Give Place to Wrath Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Overcome Others by Kindness Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Trust in God Revenge: Jesus an Example of Forbearing Revenge: Keep Others from Taking Revenge: Proceeds from a Spiteful Heart Revenge: The Wicked are Earnest After Related Terms |
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