Philistines, The

A constant thorn in the side of the Jewish people, who were they?

Saul, defeated by the Philistines as Samuel's spirit foretold, falls on his sword at Gilboa alongside Jonathan; David mourns them both in a heartfelt lament.

Saul fights Philistine oppression; Jonathan's brave raid sparks victory at Michmash, but he unknowingly breaks Saul's food vow and nearly loses his life.

The Philistines made Samson prisoner. Delilah cut his hair and his strength was gone. He pulled at the pillars and the whole edifice collapsed.

David slays the giant Goliath with a sling and stone, routing the Philistines. Saul then makes him his son-in-law and forges a bond with Jonathan.

Abraham and Isaac Isaac uncovers the wells that his father Abraham had dug, an act that appears to be a fundamental part of his divine service. The Torah recounts the episode as follows: Now all the wells which his father’s servants had dug in the days of...

David had a tumultous, yet ultimately triumphant life. He was the progenitor of a royal dynasty chosen by G‑d, but he suffered mightily from strife, especially at the hand of those closest to him.

Samson was a nazarite who was endowed by G‑d with herculean strength, which he used to fight the Philistines.

Samuel exhorted the people to return to G-d. A storm discomfited the Philistines. The elders came with the request: "Set a king over us."

The High Priest Eli, Samuel's Father, Early Years of Samuel, War with the Philistines, Eli's Death, The Holy Ark in Captivity, Return of the Holy Ark