Topical Bible: Envy: Philistines

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Topical Encyclopedia

Envy, a destructive emotion characterized by a desire for what others possess, is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative, particularly in the interactions between the Philistines and the Israelites. The Philistines, an ancient people who inhabited the coastal regions of Canaan, frequently clashed with the Israelites, and their envy often fueled these conflicts.

Biblical Context

The Philistines are first mentioned in the Bible during the time of the patriarchs. In Genesis 21:32-34, Abraham makes a covenant with Abimelech, the king of the Philistines, at Beersheba. This early interaction sets the stage for future tensions between the two groups. The Philistines' envy of the blessings and prosperity bestowed upon the Israelites by God is evident throughout their history.

Isaac and the Philistines

One of the most illustrative examples of Philistine envy is found in the account of Isaac. In Genesis 26, Isaac settles in the land of Gerar, ruled by the Philistines. God blesses Isaac, and he becomes exceedingly prosperous. The Philistines, observing Isaac's wealth, become envious. Genesis 26:14-15 states, "He owned so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him. So all the wells that his father’s servants had dug in the days of his father Abraham, the Philistines stopped up, filling them with dirt."

This act of sabotage by the Philistines is a direct result of their envy. They attempt to undermine Isaac's prosperity by filling the wells, which were vital for sustaining life and livestock in the arid region. Despite these actions, Isaac continues to prosper, demonstrating God's favor and the futility of the Philistines' envious actions.

Samson and the Philistines

The account of Samson, found in the Book of Judges, further highlights the theme of envy. Samson, a judge of Israel, is endowed with extraordinary strength by God. The Philistines, envious of his power and the threat he poses to their dominance, seek to discover the secret of his strength. Judges 16:5 records their plot: "The lords of the Philistines went to her and said, 'Entice him, and find out the source of his great strength and how we can overpower him, so we may tie him up and subdue him.'"

The Philistines' envy drives them to deceit and treachery, ultimately leading to their temporary triumph over Samson. However, their victory is short-lived, as Samson's final act of strength results in the destruction of the Philistine leaders and many of their people.

David and the Philistines

The relationship between David and the Philistines is another significant example of envy. After David's victory over Goliath, a Philistine champion, he becomes a celebrated figure in Israel. The Philistines, envious of David's growing influence and military success, repeatedly seek to eliminate him. In 1 Samuel 18:29 , it is noted that "Saul became even more afraid of David. So from then on Saul was David’s enemy continually." Although this verse highlights Saul's envy, it also reflects the broader Philistine sentiment towards David.

David's repeated victories over the Philistines, as recorded in 2 Samuel 5:17-25, further exacerbate their envy. Despite their efforts, David's reliance on God ensures his continued success and the eventual subjugation of the Philistines.

Conclusion

The envy of the Philistines towards the Israelites is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative, illustrating the destructive nature of envy and its inability to thwart God's plans for His chosen people. Through the accounts of Isaac, Samson, and David, the Bible demonstrates how envy leads to conflict and strife, yet ultimately fails to overcome divine favor and blessing.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 26:14
For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How David Fled to Ahimelech and Afterwards to the Kings of the ...
... he was that David who had killed many ten thousands of the Philistines, David was ...
and righteousness, because they are then most of all exposed to envy, and all ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how david fled.htm

That when David had Conquered the Philistines who Made War against ...
... And let no one suppose that it was a small army of the Philistines that came against ...
a poor man in a low estate, exceeding happy, and the object of envy to all ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 that when david.htm

The Testament of Simeon Concerning Envy.
... Now, if ye remove from you your envy, and all your stiffneckedness, as a rose shall
my bones flourish in ... [54] The reference seems to be to the Philistines. Cf. ...
/.../ii the testament of simeon concerning.htm

The First Apostle of Peace at any Price
... The Philistines' envy was very natural, since Isaac was an alien, and, in
some sense, an intruder. Their stopping of the wells was ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the first apostle of peace.htm

Chapter xxvi
... Envy on the Philistines' part turns to spite. The wells ... life. So the result
of the envy of the Philistines is described. Criticism ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxvi.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... to the first comer; the Amorites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, and the Philistines,
all oppressed ... and, as we learn from the narrative, excited the envy of the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Saul Envies David for his Glorious Success, and Takes an Occasion ...
... 1. Now the women were an occasion of Saul's envy and hatred to David; for ... wives said,
that "Saul had slain his many thousands of the Philistines." The virgins ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 saul envies david.htm

God, Displeased with what had Been Done, Spoke to Samuel...
... Philistines, turning to flight, yielded the victory to the Hebrews. But the great
favor shown to David as they were returning from the battle excited the envy ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xxxiv god displeased with.htm

Use what You Have
... are not as somebody else is; it is of no use to envy another's talents. ... The Philistines
had taken the Israelites' swords and spears, in fact, swept the country ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk thirty-eight use what you.htm

The Sixth Commandment
... Who is able to stand before envy?' Proverbs 27:4. ... So, when Saul made David go against
the Philistines, he designed that the Philistine should have killed him. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 6 the sixth commandment.htm