The Philistines, an ancient people often depicted as adversaries of Israel in the Old Testament, are frequently associated with unholy fear—a fear that arises from a lack of faith in the God of Israel and manifests in opposition to His people. This fear is not rooted in reverence or respect for God but in a dread of losing power and control.

Historical Context

The Philistines were a seafaring people who settled along the coastal regions of Canaan, particularly in the five city-states of Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath. They are first mentioned in the Bible during the time of Abraham (Genesis 21:32-34), but their most significant interactions with Israel occur during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy.

Unholy Fear in the Narrative

1. The Ark of the Covenant: One of the most striking examples of unholy fear among the Philistines is their reaction to the Ark of the Covenant. After capturing the Ark in battle, the Philistines placed it in the temple of their god Dagon. The next morning, they found the statue of Dagon fallen face down before the Ark (1 Samuel 5:2-4). This event instilled fear among the Philistines, as they recognized the power of the God of Israel, yet their fear did not lead to repentance or faith. Instead, they sought to rid themselves of the Ark, sending it back to Israel with offerings to appease the God they did not understand (1 Samuel 6:1-5).

2. Goliath and David: The account of David and Goliath further illustrates the unholy fear of the Philistines. Goliath, a champion of the Philistines, taunted the armies of Israel, instilling fear in them (1 Samuel 17:10-11). However, when David, a young shepherd boy, confronted Goliath with faith in the Lord, the Philistines' fear turned to panic as their champion was defeated (1 Samuel 17:51). Their fear was based on human strength and intimidation rather than a recognition of divine authority.

3. Saul and the Philistines: King Saul's interactions with the Philistines also highlight the theme of unholy fear. Saul's fear of the Philistines often led him to act impulsively and disobediently, as seen when he offered a burnt sacrifice without waiting for Samuel (1 Samuel 13:11-12). His fear was not rooted in trust in God but in anxiety over his own leadership and the threat posed by the Philistines.

Theological Implications

The unholy fear of the Philistines serves as a cautionary example of what happens when fear is divorced from faith. Their dread of the God of Israel and His people did not lead to transformation or submission but to further rebellion and eventual defeat. This fear contrasts sharply with the holy fear that leads to wisdom and reverence for God (Proverbs 9:10).

Throughout the biblical narrative, the Philistines' unholy fear underscores the futility of opposing God's purposes and the importance of aligning oneself with His will. Their account serves as a reminder of the consequences of resisting divine authority and the peace that comes from trusting in the Lord.1 Samuel 14:15
And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... This is that fear of God which Abraham thought the Philistines had destroyed in
themselves, when he said of his wife to Abimelech, "She is my sister." For when ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

How to Become Fishers of Men
... An unholy preacher may even render truth contemptible. ... earth where it was lying
bleaching in the sun, shall smite the Philistines. Fear not, neither be dismayed ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/how to become fishers of.htm

The First Kings.
... of his troops had scattered, through fear of the ... on the next day, the Philistines
would triumph ... bewildered shepherd boy, uninjured by unholy gratification of ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

On Attending the Church Service
... reason to believe that the minister is an unholy man: If ... one day, by the hand of
the Philistines." They did ... candidly to consider this point, in the fear and in ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 104 on attending the.htm

Sleep Not
... awake; and, if it be true, as I fear it is ... before, but, alas, you will find the
Philistines will bind ... to say that when false doctrines and unholy practices have ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/sleep not.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... said, "I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war ... is this: Many of those
who now fear God are ... levity of spirit, but also foolish and unholy desires, yea ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 27 upon our lords.htm

The Vanguard and Rereward of the Church
... there are so many untrue things and unholy things, that ... It is not for Christian men
to fear about the ... may fall upon the stuff, or the Philistines may attack ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the vanguard and rereward of.htm

Persecution Every Christian's Lot
... blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural ... they can
do; but fear Him only ... into the unhallowed hands of uncircumcised Philistines. ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/persecution every christians lot.htm

Pride of Prosperity
... river [Euphrates] unto the land of the Philistines, and unto ... of his life: that he
may learn to fear the Lord ... true God; and he entered into unholy alliance with ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 3 pride of prosperity.htm

Is God in the Camp?
... God will not come to an unholy church. ... life is right, the church, as a whole, need
fear nothing. ... and when we go forth to the battle, the Philistines will know ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/is god in the camp.htm

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