Encyclopedia entry
Philistia
=Palestine (q.v.), “the land of the Philistines” (Ps. 60:8; 87:4; 108:9). The word is supposed to mean “the land of wanderers” or “of strangers.”
Also from Smith's (1884) +−
(Heb. Pelesheth) (land of sojourners). The word thus translated (in) (Psalms 60:8; 87:4; 108:9) is in the original identical with that elsewhere rendered Palestine, which always means land of the Philistines. (Philistia was the plain on the southwest coast of Palestine. It was 40 miles long on the coast of the Mediterranean between Gerar and Joppa, and 10 miles wide at the northern end and 20 at the southern.—ED.) This plain has been in all ages remarkable for the extreme richness of its soil. It was also adapted to the growth of military power; for while the itself permitted. the use of war-chariots, which were the chief arm of offence, the occasional elevations which rise out of it offered secure sites for towns and strongholds. It was, moreover, a commercial country: from its position it must have been at all times the great thoroughfare between Phoenicia and Syria in the north and Egypt and Arabia in the south.
In the Bible
7
Verses where Philistia is named. Berean Standard Bible (public domain).
- Exodus 15:14
The nations will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the dwellers of Philistia.
- Isaiah 9:12
Aram from the east and Philistia from the west have devoured Israel with open mouths. Despite all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised.
- Joel 3:4
Now what do you have against Me, O Tyre, Sidon, and all the regions of Philistia? Are you rendering against Me a recompense? If you retaliate against Me, I will swiftly and speedily return your recompense upon your heads.
- Psalms 60:8
Moab is My washbasin; upon Edom I toss My sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph.”
- Psalms 83:7
of Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek, of Philistia with the people of Tyre.
- Psalms 87:4
“I will mention Rahab and Babylon among those who know Me— along with Philistia, Tyre, and Cush — when I say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’”
+1 more verse naming Philistia.
Entries that reference Philistia
17
Voices on Philistia
1
Surfaced by name match — accuracy varies by title clarity.
Sources · Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897) · Smith's Bible Dictionary (1884)
Public-domain text. Modernized only where archaic spelling impedes reading; original facts preserved. Verify against an authoritative modern reference before quoting.