In ancient times the narrow Gaza Strip, measuring 140 square miles, was given the name Philistia by the Greeks. The Philistines were an aggressive, warlike “Sea People” who arrived on the southern shores of the Mediterranean from Crete in about 1208 B.C. After an unsuccessful invasion of Egypt, they settled in the coastal area of the southern Levant – about two centuries after the arrival of Joshua and his conquering Israelite armies. Like their Canaanite neighbors, the Philistines were polytheistic, claiming Dagon as their chief deity.
Most of the original Philistine population was dispersed over the centuries by several world powers including the mighty Babylonian army. Archaeological records indicate they ceased to exist as a separate entity by the late 5th Century B.C. For a time, however, these militaristic people proved formidable archenemies of Israel, especially during the time of the judges and the reigns of kings Saul and David.
Many incidents and pitched battles are recorded in Scripture. In these accounts we are introduced to several valiant Israelites who were prominent in freeing their nation from the grip of the Philistines. These included two judges, Shamgar and Samson, three kings, Saul, David, and Hezekiah along with Saul’s son, Jonathan.
Despite the heroics of such warriors as Shamgar and Jonathan, two towering, larger-than-life figures emerged in this prolonged war against the Philistines; two very distinct individuals who strode dramatically across the landscape of ancient Israel – Samson and King David.
Samson
Samson (Jdg. 13-16; Heb. 11:32) lived at a time in Israel’s history when the country spent long stretches subjugated by the Philistines. Hand-picked by God to help free Israel from these oppressors and endowed with super-human strength, Samson proved to be a real thorn-in-the-side of these persistent adversaries.
Five distinct occasions are recorded in which Samson wreaked havoc against Philistia:
- When his wife’s betrayal caused him to lose a bet at their wedding, he became enraged and killed 30 men in Ashkelon to pay off his losses.
- When his wife was given to another man, he set fire to the grain fields of the Philistines.
- When his wife was murdered, he slaughtered a great number of Philistines.
- When the Philistines came to arrest him following the previous incident, he killed 1000 with the jawbone of a donkey.
- Finally, when blind and bound in the temple of Dagon, he brought the building down, killing 3000 Philistines to avenge the loss of his two eyes (Jdg. 16:28).
Despite being called by God to deliver his people from the hand of the Philistines (Jdg. 13:5), Samson’s motivation was always personal and followed on the heels of a particular slight. Revenge seemed to be the sole motive that spurred him into action.
Never does Samson lead an army into battle; never does he assault the Philistines when the Lord God of Israel is disparaged by them. He was carnal and narcissistic, too often only interested in satisfying his own immediate desires. He may even be seen as a collaborator, for despite being one of Israel’s judges, he went so far as to marry into Philistine society, which God had strictly forbidden (Deut. 7:3). Although he does cause quite a stir from time to time, his responsibilities as Israel’s judge did not free the Israelites from bondage, for this was never one of his priorities.
King David
David was the epitome of a warrior king, one who spent his life courageously leading his armies into battle. Four specific instances stand out as occasions that made a real impact in removing Philistia as a threat to his people:
- The first and most famous incident was his battle with the Philistine giant, Goliath. When the giant goaded the Israelite army and denigrated their God, David stepped to the forefront and killed Goliath in battle. His motive was not for selfish gain or revenge, but because this enemy offended the God he loved. “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Sam. 17:26)
- The second incident was when Saul attempted to entrap David by demanding 100 Philistine foreskins in exchange for his daughter’s hand in marriage. David returned with 200 foreskins (1 Sam. 18:25-27)
- The third event occurred when David and his men saved the town of Keilah from the Philistines (1 Sam. 23)
- The fourth and most important event took place in the Valley of Rephaim where David’s army soundly defeated the Philistines (2 Sam. 5:17-25). Here, David twice asked God for guidance and twice the Lord responded with encouragement and direction.
Conclusion
Samson was one who was supremely gifted by God; one who could have rallied Israel against the Philistines as did Deborah, one of the nation’s more successful judges (Jdg. 4-5). Yet Samson persisted in acting as a lone wolf, only responding to the Philistines after enduring a personal offense. David, on the other hand, worked in dependence upon God in subduing the troublesome Philistines and as a result they never again enslaved His people.
In these two men we find two principal attitudes which are prevalent among many believers today:
1. Despite his shortcomings, Samson was a man used of God; in fact, he is listed among the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11. His biography, however, leaves us wondering how much more he might have accomplished if he had walked with the Lord as David did. Samson’s incredible strength caused him to become proud and self-sufficient. As a result, he turned his back on God and lost his way. It was prophesied to his mother that her son would “begin to deliver Israel from the hand of the Philistines.” Although he did indeed begin this work, he ended up leaving it for another to complete – King David. Second Timothy 2:4 says: “No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.” (ESV)
2. For most of his life, David was sold out for God and loved the Lord with all his heart. Despite his mistakes and sinfulness, he was still a man after God’s own heart and was used mightily in His service (1 Sam. 13:14). Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (ESV)
Samson and David were both great national heroes who shared many positive traits (i.e., courage and charisma), but their hearts were vastly different.
See image for a comparison chart of David and Samson…