Interesting Facts

• The Pelishtim, along with the Azathim, Gerarim, Githim, and Ekronim, originated from the intermarriage of the children of Pathros and Casloch.
• Abraham was described as being from “the land of the Philistines” when he visited Ishmael.
• Isaac swore an oath to the Philistines.
• Isaac cursed the Philistines, wishing for their destruction and the eradication of their name and seed, linking them to the Caphtorim.
• Joseph subdued “all the land and all the Philistines, unto the borders of Canaan”.
• Abimelech is mentioned as a king of the Philistines, considered great but less so than the king of Egypt.

Genealogy

• The Philistim (Pelishtim) are descendants of the intermarriage between the children of Pathros and Casloch, who were both sons of Mizraim.
• Mizraim was a son of Ham, who was a son of Noah.
• The five families that emerged from this union were the Pelishtim, Azathim, Gerarim, Githim, and Ekronim.
• Isaac’s curse links the Philistines to the Caphtorim, suggesting a possible connection or association.

Historical Context

The emergence of the Philistines is placed in the early post-flood world, as they originated from the descendants of Noah’s son Ham through Mizraim. They settled in the region near the land of Canaan, as indicated by Abraham being described as being from their land and their interactions with Isaac in that area. By the time of Joseph’s rule in Egypt, the Philistines occupied land up to the borders of Canaan and were under Joseph’s control, paying him yearly tribute. The mention of Abimelech as their king suggests a structured society with rulers in the region of Canaan. Isaac’s interactions with them, involving oaths and curses, indicate a relationship marked by conflict or at least the potential for it.

Narrative

The narrative of the Philistines in the provided sources begins with their origin as a result of intermarriage between the descendants of Pathros and Casloch. They are presented as inhabitants of the land bordering Canaan, interacting with key figures like Abraham and Isaac. Abraham is even identified as coming from their land during his visit to Ishmael. A significant event is Isaac’s interaction with them, where he swore an oath under constraint and subsequently cursed them, prophesying their ultimate destruction. This suggests a contentious relationship between the early patriarchs and the Philistines. Later, during the time of Joseph’s power in Egypt, the Philistines were under his dominion, highlighting a period of their subjugation. The comparison of their king, Abimelech, to the might of the Egyptian ruler further contextualizes their power in the region. Overall, the narrative portrays the Philistines as an early people group in the land of Canaan, having interactions, both peaceful and hostile, with the Israelite forefathers and eventually falling under the sway of Egyptian power during Joseph’s time.