Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Besieged by The Philistines

◄ Jerusalem: Besieged by The Philistines ►

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Jerusalem, a city of profound significance in biblical history, has been the focal point of numerous conflicts and sieges. Among these, the siege by the Philistines stands out as a notable event, reflecting the ongoing struggle between the Israelites and their perennial adversaries, the Philistines.

Historical Context

The Philistines were a formidable seafaring people who settled along the coastal regions of Canaan. They are frequently depicted in the Old Testament as one of Israel's most persistent enemies. The Philistines' military prowess and strategic locations made them a constant threat to the Israelites, who were striving to establish and maintain control over the Promised Land.

Biblical Account

While the Bible does not provide a detailed account of a specific siege of Jerusalem by the Philistines, it does document numerous encounters and battles between the Israelites and the Philistines. One of the most significant periods of conflict occurred during the time of King Saul and King David.

In 1 Samuel 17, the famous battle between David and Goliath, a Philistine giant, is recounted. This event underscores the ongoing hostilities between the two nations. David's victory over Goliath marked a turning point in the struggle, as it not only demonstrated the power of faith in God but also solidified David's reputation as a leader and warrior.

Later, during David's reign as king, the Philistines continued to pose a threat. In 2 Samuel 5:17-25, the Philistines sought to challenge David's rule by attacking him shortly after he was anointed king over all Israel. David inquired of the LORD and was instructed to engage the Philistines in battle. The LORD granted David victory, and he successfully repelled the Philistine forces.

Theological Significance

The conflicts between the Israelites and the Philistines, including the sieges and battles, are emblematic of the broader spiritual struggle depicted throughout the Bible. The Philistines often symbolize the forces of opposition against God's chosen people and His divine plan. The repeated victories of the Israelites, particularly under divinely appointed leaders like David, serve to highlight God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant promises.

Jerusalem's Role

Jerusalem, as the eventual capital of the united kingdom of Israel under David, holds a central place in these narratives. Although the Bible does not explicitly mention a Philistine siege of Jerusalem, the city's strategic and spiritual importance is evident. Jerusalem became the political and religious heart of Israel, symbolizing God's presence among His people. The city's endurance through various conflicts, including those with the Philistines, underscores its role as a testament to God's enduring protection and purpose for His people.

Conclusion

The interactions between the Philistines and the Israelites, including the various battles and sieges, are integral to understanding the historical and spiritual landscape of the Old Testament. Jerusalem, as a focal point of these narratives, continues to be a symbol of God's enduring covenant with His people and His ultimate plan for redemption.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 21:16,17
Moreover the LORD stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians, that were near the Ethiopians:
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Library

The Great Slaughters and Sacrilege that were in Jerusalem.
... the numbers of those that were besieged, only he ... a temple at Jerusalem, or towards
Jerusalem itself, in ... calls the Syrians, nay, even the Philistines, on the ...
/.../chapter 13 the great slaughters.htm

How Solomon Fortified the City of Jerusalem, and Built Great ...
... he thought the wails that encompassed Jerusalem ought to ... had indeed belonged to the
Philistines; but Pharaoh ... made an expedition against it, and besieged it, and ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how solomon fortified.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... As Also, What Great Actions Were Performed Against The Philistines By David ... And Hyrcanus
Made An Expedition Against Aristobulus And Besieged Jerusalem; And How ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
... back, like those oxen that the Philistines used when ... in riding through the streets
of Jerusalem, taught in a ... The city has been long besieged; the champion has ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the triumphal entry into jerusalem.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... the Ammonites, the Moabites, and the Philistines, all oppressed ... Millo in every important
town, Jerusalem included ... the same penalty.* The king besieged the city ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... a fort, that so long as the besieged were persuaded ... "Begin," saith he, "at Jerusalem."
And thus I ... Samson, when he would pull down the Philistines temple, took ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... a fort, that so long as the besieged were persuaded ... 'Begin,' saith he, 'at Jerusalem';
and thus I ... Samson, when he would pull down the Philistines' temple, took ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

One Fold and one Shepherd
... have been left unattacked by the Philistines, and it is ... Jerusalem was more central,
and, from its position ... first, the insolent boast of the besieged, then the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/one fold and one shepherd.htm

Salvation Published from the Mountains
... David returned from the slaughter of the Philistines, the women ... Zion is a besieged
city, but let her know that ... news is to be dispersed from Jerusalem to Samaria ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 1/sermon vi salvation published from.htm

The History of David
... After this yet the Philistines made war again unto him ... came with his people and entered
into Jerusalem into his ... drove him unto a city which he besieged, and by ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm