# Philistines ## Facts: The Philistines were a people group who occupied a region known as Philistia​ along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Their name means "people of the sea." * There were five main Philistine cities: Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron, Gath, and Gaza. * The city of Ashdod was in the northern part of Philistia, and the city of Gaza was in the southern part. * The Philistines are probably best known for the many years they were at war against the Israelites. * The judge Samson was a famous warrior against the Philistines, using supernatural strength from God. * King David often led battles against the Philistines, including the time as a youth when he defeated the Philistine warrior, Goliath. (Translation suggestions: [How to Translate Names](rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names)) (See also: [Ashdod](../names/ashdod.md), [Ashkelon](../names/ashkelon.md), [David](../names/david.md), [Ekron](../names/ekron.md), [Gath](../names/gath.md), [Gaza](../names/gaza.md), [Goliath](../names/goliath.md), [Salt Sea](../names/saltsea.md)) ## Bible References: * [1 Chronicles 18:9-11](rc://en/tn/help/1ch/18/09) * [1 Samuel 13:04](rc://en/tn/help/1sa/13/04) * [2 Chronicles 09:25-26](rc://en/tn/help/2ch/09/25) * [Genesis 10:11-14](rc://en/tn/help/gen/10/11) * [Psalm 056:1-2](rc://en/tn/help/psa/056/001) ## Word Data: * Strong's: H6429, H6430