Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJames Hastings Dictionary of the Bible: Lords Of The Philistines
Subjects in this Topic:
LORDS OF THE PHILISTINES.—The chieftains or ‘tyrants’ of the five Philistine cities, Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath. Wherever they are mentioned (Jos_13:3, Jdg_3:3; Jdg_16:5; Jdg_16:8; Jdg_16:18; Jdg_16:27; Jdg_16:30, 1Sa_5:8; 1Sa_5:11; 1Sa_6:4; 1Sa_6:12; 1Sa_6:16; 1Sa_6:18; 1Sa_7:7; 1Sa_29:2; 1Sa_29:8; 1Sa_29:7, 1Ch_12:19) the word translated ‘lord’ is a peculiar one, being identical with the Heb. word for ‘axle.’ Once (1Sa_18:30) the Heb. word for ‘princes’ is applied to them. Probably the peculiar word is a native Philistine title. Their functions, so far as can be gathered from the OT, were the same as those of petty kings.
George A. Barton.