Topical Bible: Philistines: Defeated by Hezekiah

◄ Philistines: Defeated by Hezekiah ►

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The Philistines were a significant group of people in the ancient Near East, often depicted in the Bible as adversaries of the Israelites. Originating from the Aegean region, they settled along the coastal plains of Canaan, establishing a confederation of five major cities: Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath. Throughout the Old Testament, the Philistines are frequently mentioned as formidable foes of Israel, engaging in numerous conflicts with the Israelites.

One notable instance of the Philistines' defeat occurred during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, was a king who sought to restore the worship of Yahweh and bring about religious reforms in Judah. His reign is marked by a return to the covenantal faithfulness that his predecessors had neglected.

The biblical account of Hezekiah's defeat of the Philistines is found in 2 Kings 18:8, which states, "He defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza and its territory, from watchtower to fortified city." This victory is significant as it demonstrates Hezekiah's military prowess and his commitment to securing the borders of Judah against its perennial enemies. The defeat of the Philistines under Hezekiah's leadership is seen as a divine endorsement of his reforms and his reliance on God.

Hezekiah's campaign against the Philistines can be understood within the broader context of his efforts to resist Assyrian dominance. During this period, the Assyrian Empire was expanding its influence over the region, and many smaller states, including Judah, were under threat. By subduing the Philistines, Hezekiah not only secured his western flank but also demonstrated his independence from Assyrian control.

The defeat of the Philistines by Hezekiah is also a fulfillment of the prophetic word given to the Israelites. Throughout the Old Testament, the Philistines are portrayed as a symbol of opposition to God's people. Their defeat under Hezekiah's reign is a testament to God's faithfulness in delivering Israel from its enemies when the nation returns to Him in obedience and faith.

Hezekiah's victory over the Philistines is a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the blessings that come with it. It underscores the biblical theme that God is the ultimate protector and deliverer of His people, capable of overcoming any adversary when His people walk in His ways.

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2 Kings 18:8
He smote the Philistines, even to Gaza, and the borders thereof, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.
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Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... defeated once between Eben-ezer and Aphek, bore the ark in state to the battle-field,
that its presence might inspire them with confidence. The Philistines ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... The Philistines, however, were soon subdued ... forces of the Egyptians and Arabians
were defeated and compelled ... Hezekiah now endeavoured to make peace by the offer ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

Canaan
... The Philistine forces were defeated in battle after battle ... of David's body-guard
were the Philistines of Gath. ... formed the body-guard of Hezekiah were probably ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

Sovereignty of God in Administration
... on the dial of Ahaz to help the weak faith of Hezekiah. ... they were beneath His control:
"And the Philistines called for ... Was then the will of the Lord defeated? ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter three sovereignty of god.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... in security at the ruin of the Philistines, the hereditary ... Hezekiah, King of Judah,
had emptied his treasury to ... with their spoil when they were defeated on the ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

Index of Subjects.
... 466]181; his activity for our ruin, [467]83; how believes, [468]84; how fell,
[469]92; being defeated, departs, [470 ... Hezekiah, prayer of, commended, [786]331. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/index of subjects.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... better to place the accession of Hezekiah about 715 ... of the Saite monarch, he defeated
Bocchoris and took ... with the petty kingdoms of the Hebrews and Philistines. ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... to weaken Damascus: Jehoash rebelled and defeated Ben-hadad ... of Damascus, Moab, Edom,
or the Philistines.* The daily ... existence in the time of Hezekiah, at the ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... and, coming up with him in the Delta, to have defeated him, taken ... they had not prevented
the subjugation of Damascus, Israel, Tyre, the Philistines, nor, indeed ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... some partial successes, such as that near Zela, for instance, he was defeated and
made ... On the death of Hezekiah, his successor, Manasseh, had, as we know, been ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm