Topical Bible: The Philistines: Defeated by Hezekiah

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Philistines, an ancient people known for their conflicts with the Israelites, were a significant presence in the coastal regions of Canaan. They are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as adversaries of Israel. One notable event in the history of the Philistines is their defeat by King Hezekiah of Judah.

Historical Context

The Philistines were part of the Sea Peoples who settled in the southwestern part of Canaan, in cities such as Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath. They were known for their advanced iron technology and military prowess, which often put them at odds with the Israelites. The period of the Judges and the early monarchy in Israel saw frequent skirmishes and battles with the Philistines, most famously involving figures like Samson and King David.

Hezekiah's Reign

Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, reigned as king of Judah from approximately 715 to 686 BC. He is noted for his religious reforms and efforts to centralize worship in Jerusalem, as well as his political and military activities. Hezekiah's reign was marked by a strong commitment to the worship of Yahweh and a rejection of idolatry, which had been prevalent during his father's reign.

Defeat of the Philistines

The defeat of the Philistines by Hezekiah is briefly mentioned in 2 Kings 18:8: "He struck down the Philistines as far as Gaza and its borders, from watchtower to fortified city." This passage highlights Hezekiah's military campaign against the Philistines, which extended to their strongholds and cities. The campaign was part of Hezekiah's broader efforts to assert Judah's independence and strengthen its position against surrounding threats, including the Assyrian Empire.

Significance

Hezekiah's victory over the Philistines was significant for several reasons. It demonstrated his capability as a military leader and his commitment to securing Judah's borders. The campaign also reflected the fulfillment of divine promises to protect and prosper the kingdom of Judah under a faithful king. Hezekiah's actions were seen as a continuation of the divine mandate given to the Israelites to possess the land and subdue their enemies.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, Hezekiah's defeat of the Philistines can be viewed as an example of God's faithfulness to His covenant people. The victory underscored the importance of reliance on God and adherence to His commandments. Hezekiah's success was attributed to his faithfulness and the divine favor that accompanied his reforms and military endeavors.

Legacy

The defeat of the Philistines by Hezekiah contributed to the temporary stabilization of Judah's borders and the reduction of external threats. It also reinforced the narrative of divine intervention and support for those who remained faithful to God's covenant. Hezekiah's reign, including his military victories, is remembered as a high point in the history of Judah, characterized by religious renewal and national strength.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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