In the Old Testament, a tribe that originally came from Caphtor (Amos 9: 7) and occupied the rich lowland on the Mediterranean coast from Joppa to the Egyptian desert before the days of Abraham (Gen. 21: 32). For many years there was a military struggle between the Philistines and the Israelites. Eventually Palestine, the name of the Philistine territory, became a familiar title for all of the Holy Land.

Israel was in bondage to the Philistines for forty years, Judg. 13: 1. Samson fought the Philistines, Judg. 13-16. Goliath was a Philistine of Gath, 1 Sam. 17. David defeated the Philistines, 1 Sam. 19: 8.