Israelites Versus Philistines

The Israelites and Philistines were archenemies and constantly fought. Here are some of their confrontations, found in 1 and 2 Samuel. When the Israelites trusted God for the victory, they always won.

Location of the Battle

Winner

Comments

Reference

Aphek to Ebenezer

Philistines

The Ark was captured and Eli's sons killed

1 Samuel 4:1-11

Mizpah

Israelites

After the Ark was returned, the Philistines planned to attack again, but God confused them. Israel chased the Philistines back to Beth-car

1 Samuel 7:7-14

Geba

Israelites under Jonathan

One detachment destroyed

1 Samuel 13:3, 4

Gilgal

A standoff

The Israelites lost their nerve and hid

1 Samuel 13:6-17

Micmash

Israelites

Jonathan and his armor bearer said it didn't matter how many enemies there were. If God was with them, they would win. They began the battle, and the army completed it

1 Samuel 13:23—14:23

Valley of Elah

Israelites

David and Goliath

1 Samuel 17:1-58

?

Israelites

David killed 200 Philistines to earn a wife

1 Samuel 18:17-30

Keilah

Israelites under David

David protected the threshing floors from Philistine looters

1 Samuel 23:1-5

Aphek, Jezreel, to Mount Gilboa

Philistines

Saul and Jonathan killed

1 Samuel 29:1; 31:1-13

Baal-perazim

Israelites

The Philistines tried to capture King David

2 Samuel 5:17-25

Gath

Israelites

There was very little trouble with the Philistines after this defeat

2 Samuel 8:1

?

Israelites

Abishai saved David from a Philistine giant

2 Samuel 21:15-17

Gob

Israelites

Other giants were killed, including Goliath's brother

2 Samuel 21:18-22