The Concept of the Philistine Menace
Meaning
Israel’s most formidable enemy during the period of the judges were the Philistines. Philistia was a major military power, very different from Israel’s former enemies. They were a well organized military power who possessed weapons of iron. During this time of oppression, Israel did not have blacksmiths, nor the ability to produce iron weapons. Moreover, during this period the Philistines kept Israel from obtaining the technology of blacksmithing in order to subdue and control Israel. It was Samson who defeated the Philistines during the period of the judges. And later it was King David, the second king of Israel, who once and for all rid Israel of the Philistine menace and other pagan enemies. Philistia during battle captured Israel’s most prized possession the Ark of the Covenant.
As a result the loss of the Ark left many in Israel feeling their plight was hopeless. The Israelites saw the Ark as the place where God’s presence would dwell, therefore, they felt it had the power to defeat their enemies. What Israel had forgotten is their power, lay not with themselves, but with God. This meant that the most important thing for the people was their relationship with the Lord. However, others saw a resolution to this loss as a change in governing procedures. Therefore, Israel’s humiliation by the Philistines led to the conception of a central government ruled by a king. God afflicted the Philistines who later returned the Ark of the Covenant back to Israel, with a peace offering to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. However the people in their rebellion no longer wanted to be ruled by God and the judges, and instead cried out for a king. This was during the time of the last judge of Israel who was Samuel. It was Samuel who anointed Saul as the first king of Israel. Samuel would also anoint David the second king of Israel, however, Samuel did not live long enough to see David take the throne.
“And when the people had come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, ‘Why has the Lord defeated us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord from Shiloh to us, that when it comes among us it may save us from the hand of our enemies.’ So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from there the ark of the covenant of the Lord of hosts, who dwells between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. And when the ark of the covenant of the Lord came into the camp, all Israel shouted so loudly that the earth shook. Now when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they were afraid.” (1st Samuel 4:3-8)
“So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and every man fled to his tent. There was a very great slaughter, and there fell of Israel thirty thousand foot soldiers. Also the ark of God was captured.” (1st Samuel 4:10-11)
“Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and said,’Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.’ Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, ‘No, but we will have a king over us,that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.'” (1st Samuel 8:4-5, 19-20)