Body: | Origin of the Philistines (Caphtorim): Crete (Caphtor)
Rameses III: 1184-1153 BC
Gen 10:14 Island of Crete in Aegean Sea area
David and Goliath
(the Philistine)
wearing the distinctive
"feathered" war helmet.
Quick links within this document:
Introduction
Philistine Pottery
I. Origin of the Philistines:
II. Philistines at the time of Abraham: Gerar in 2075 BC
Philistine feathered helmet on the Phaistos disk from Crete: 1700
BC
III. Philistines Pentapolis at the time of Moses and Joshua: 1446-1356 BC
IV. Philistines at the time of Deborah and Rameses III: 1184-1153 BC
V. Philistines at the time of David: 1025-997 BC
Battle map of David and Goliath in the valley of Elah
Sling Stones used by David to kill Goliath the Philistine
VI. Philistine and Libyan Prisoners of War:
VII. Philistine war gear: Feathered and horned helmets, spears and shields:
1177 BC
VIII. Philistines trigger collapse of Bronze Age and mark beginning of Iron
age: 1177 BC
Conclusion
Introduction:
1. Today, if someone calls you a
PHILISTINE, that is NOT GOOD, but in ancient times, the Philistine "good
guys" (heroes) of Homer's stories on the fall of Troy in the Iliad and
Odyssey were the "bad guys" (villains) in the bible.
a. The Philistines were the
naval power in these stories.
b. The Iliad even identifies the
Philistine trademark feathered/horsehair-plumed helmets: "On the bright
ridges of the helmets, horsehair plumes touched when warriors moved their
heads. That's how close they were to one another." (Iliad 16:213-17)
2. The Minoans are the Philistines:
a. Modern scholars are sloppy
in first not recognizing that Homer's Iliad and Odyssey are about the
Philistines and second, using an obscure, meaningless and confusing name
for the Philistines: "The Minoans".
b. "The scholarly label for the
ancient inhabitants of Crete is "Minoans." This artificial appellation
was coined by Arthur Evans, excavator of Knossos, a major site on Crete,
based on Minos, an ancient ruler of Crete known from Greek mythology. We do
not know what the ancient inhabitants of Crete called themselves.
Archaeological evidence indicates that the Minoans were engaged in maritime
trade throughout the Levant in the Middle Bronze period (ca. 2000-1500
BC). Some of this evidence suggests that they established trading colonies
in Syria, Canaan and Egypt. A small, but growing, number of finds in
Palestine provide tangible evidence for contacts between Canaan and Crete
long before the 12th-11th century Philistines." (The Genesis
Philistines, Bryant Wood, May 31, 2006)
3. Three Pentapolis empires in Canaan in
1406 BC at the time of the conquest of Joshua:
a. Philistine Pentapolis in
coastal plain: Gaza, Ashdod, the Ashkelon, Gath, Ekron: Ex 13:17-18; Deut
2:23; Josh 11:22; 13:2-3; Judges 1:18-19; 3:1-3
i. It is possible that these five cities were abandoned by the
Philistines sometime between 1356 BC (death of Joshua at 120 years) and the
new wave of their arrival in 1177 BC as documented by Rameses III.
ii. "Now Joshua was old and advanced in years when the LORD said
to him, "You are old and advanced in years, and very much of the land
remains to be possessed. "This is the land that remains: all the regions
of the Philistines and all those of the Geshurites; from the Shihor which
is east of Egypt, even as far as the border of Ekron to the north (it is
counted as Canaanite); the five lords of the Philistines: the Gazite, the
Ashdodite, the Ashkelonite, the Gittite, the Ekronite" (Joshua 13:1-3)
iii. Moses was aware of the Philistine Pentapolis: "Now when
Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land
of the Philistines, even though it was near; for God said, "The people
might change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt." Hence
God led the people around by the way of the wilderness to the Red Sea; and
the sons of Israel went up in martial array from the land of Egypt."
(Exodus 13:17-18)
b. The Amorite Pentapolis in hill
country: Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, Eglon: Josh 10:5
c. Canaan Pentapolis in the
north: Hazor, Madon, Shimron, Achshaph, Dor: Joshua 11:1-3,10; Judges 4:2
i. Hazor was the top king of the land over the other city kings
in 1406 BC.
ii. Hazor was called the "King of Canaan" at the time of
Deborah in 1200 BC.
4. Philistines conquer the world and
thereby trigger the beginning of the Iron Age in 1177 BC:
a. Rameses III: 1184-1153 BC:
The records of Rameses III document a great world uprising of the
Philistines and describes them as unstoppable in his 8th regnal year (1177
BC)
b. The massive conquest of the
Philistine empire in 1177 BC is the demarcation between the Bronze and Iron
ages.
c. The Archeological Bronze Age
changed to the Iron age in Canaan because of the Philistines conquered the
Asia and the Levant in 1177 BC.
5. Philistine monochrome and bichrome
pottery:
a. Monochrome Philistine
pottery is the initial form around 1200 BC followed the following century
by the introduction of bichrome forms in 1100 BC.
b. "Purely as an outsider
considering the external implications, I am forced to conclude that the new
series of radiocarbon dates from Cyprus and the independently derived date
for the fall of Ugarit combine with separate ceramic links between Ashdod,
Cyprus, and Ugarit and Tel Miqne, Cyprus, and Ugarit, respectively, to
suggest that the first production of what is now often called Philistine
monochrome cannot be dated much later than the beginning of the 12th
century. This conclusion is arrived at quite regardless of any
consideration of what, in terms of any text-based historical narrative or
otherwise, this pottery may represent or of its relationship (or lack
thereof) to the events attributed to Ramesses III's Year 8 and recorded
at Medinet Habu. What it means is that, as far as the debate over its
chronology is concerned, Prof. Mazar appears to be right: despite the
inherent uncertainty of any chronology that ultimately depends on pottery
and the flexibility that has to be built into it as a result, the higher
chronology to which he adheres makes much more sense in the context of our
current understanding of the archaeology of the wider eastern Mediterranean
than the significantly lower chronology advocated by others." The
Chronology of the Philistine Monochrome Pottery: An Outsider's View,
Susan Sherratt, Ashmolean Museum, p370, 2006 AD)
c. "The "Philistine Pottery"
with its various stages (Philistine 1, 2, 3, Late Philistine Decorated
Ware, etc.) begins to appear with the first appearance of the Philistine
culture in Canaan (ca. late 13th to early 12th cent. BCE). The first stage
(Philistine 1/Myc IIIC) is similar to pottery known from various eastern
Mediterranean areas in the very late to early/mid 12th cent BCE. Myc IIIC
pottery is a development of Late Helladic pottery known in the region of
Greece from the Late Bronze/Late Helladic cultures of the Aegean region.
But Late Helladic pottery is NOT Philistine pottery. Rather, some aspects
continue in Philistine pottery - much does not." (Aren Maeir, Director of
exacavations at Gath, Email, Dec. 2018)
d. Philistine bichrome and
monochrome swirl and hash marked pottery from Gath and Ashdod:
I. Origin of the Philistines:
A. The Bible says that the Philistines came from "Caphtor" identified
as the Island of Crete
1. The Philistines are also called "the Caphtorim",
meaning the people from Caphtor (Island of Crete). "And the Avvim, who
lived in villages as far as Gaza, the Caphtorim who came from Caphtor,
destroyed them and lived in their place.)" (Deuteronomy 2:23)
2. The origin of the philistines is the island of Crete
and the Aegean sea area bounded by Athens, Corinth and Ephesus.
3. Crete was their home sea port base for this
sea-oriented people who were likely traders and raiders (pirates).
4. "According to the Bible, the Philistines originated
in "Caphtor" (Jer 47:4; Am 9:7), identified as the island of Crete
(Hess 1992)." (The Genesis Philistines, Bryant Wood, May 31, 2006)
5. "Are you not as the sons of Ethiopia to Me, O sons
of Israel?" declares the LORD. "Have I not brought up Israel from the
land of Egypt, And the Philistines from Caphtor and the Arameans from
Kir?" (Amos 9:7)
6. "On account of the day that is coming to destroy all
the Philistines, To cut off from Tyre and Sidon Every ally that is left;
For the LORD is going to destroy the Philistines, The remnant of the
coastland of Caphtor." (Jeremiah 47:4)
7. "Mizraim became the father of Ludim and Anamim and
Lehabim and Naphtuhim and Pathrusim and Casluhim (from which came the
Philistines) and Caphtorim." (Genesis 10:13-14)
8. "therefore thus says the Lord God, "Behold, I will
stretch out My hand against the Philistines, even cut off the Cherethites
and destroy the remnant of the seacoast." (Ezekiel 25:16)
B. Archeologically, the Philistines originated from Caphtor: Aegean region,
western Anatolia and the Island of Crete
1. "The names Achish and Goliath are not Semitic, and
parallels to these names may be found on Crete and in western Anatolia
(Achtemeier 1985, 790; Buttrick 1962, 3:792; Albright 1975, 513). The
biblical Achish may have had the same name as the Dardanian Anchises, the
father of Aeneas from the Troad (Buttrick 1962, 3:792; T. Dothan 1982a,
22-23; Wainwright 1959, 77). The Dardanians were also on the list by
Ramesses II of Hittite allies." (Philistines: Giving Goliath His Due, Neal
Bierling, Ch 3)
2. "Egyptian records of the Late Bronze Age speak clearly
of four localities on Crete or "Keftiu" (Kftyw), which could also be
translated "Caphtor" in the Egyptian language (T. Dothan 1982a, 13, 21, and
footnotes; Stiebing 1989, 175). There is almost universal agreement that
the Egyptian "Kftyw" refers to Crete (Macqueen 1986, 162 n. 30). We have
noted that the Bible says the Philistines came from Caphtor, which, when
examined with other biblical passages, appears to be Crete. It would be
reasonable to conclude that extrabiblical sources, too, seem to equate
Caphtor with Crete. No doubt, as the Bible states, some of the Philistines
had their origins in Caphtor/Crete. However, remember that in our
examination of the Egyptian records for the Sea People invaders, during the
reigns of Merneptah (ca. 1215 B.C.) and Ramesses III (ca. 1185 B.C.), we
noted an Aegean -- and especially a western Anatolian -- origin for the
invaders. In order to determine the heritage of the people the Bible refers
to as the Philistines, I believe that we must expand the scope of our
search beyond Crete to encompass the entire Aegean. With a further
examination of biblical and extrabiblical material, I believe that we are
even able to place part of this "Philistine" confederation on the Troad at
the time of the Trojan War in the thirteenth century B.C." (Philistines:
Giving Goliath His Due, Neal Bierling, Ch 3)
C. Twelve coalition sects and/or names of "Aegean Sea peoples":
1. Gittites: Bible (10 times) term for Philistines of
any sect living in the city of Gath.
a. "This is the land that remains: all the regions of the
Philistines and all those of the Geshurites; from the Shihor which is east
of Egypt, even as far as the border of Ekron to the north (it is counted as
Canaanite); the five lords of the Philistines: the Gazite, the Ashdodite,
the Ashkelonite, the Gittite, the Ekronite; and the Avvite" (Joshua
13:2-3)
b. "There was war with the Philistines again at Gob, and
Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the
Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver's beam." (2 Samuel
21:19)
c. "And there was war with the Philistines again, and
Elhanan the son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite,
the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver's beam." (1 Chronicles 20:5)
d. "And David was unwilling to move the ark of the Lord
into the city of David with him; but David took it aside to the house of
Obed-edom the Gittite." (2 Samuel 6:10)
2. Philistines/Peleset (Peleset named in Egyptian
Medinet Habu record)
a. Pelethites may be derived from "Philistines" and
"Peleset" from the Egyptian records, but this is not certain.
b. Pelethites joined David's army in 2 Samuel 15:18
3. Cherethites
a. From Island of Crete
b. People known as Cretans
c. The first mention of the Cherethites, is when the
Amelekites raided them in the Negev and David at Ziglag: "We made a raid
on the Negev of the Cherethites, and on that which belongs to Judah, and on
the Negev of Caleb, and we burned Ziklag with fire." (1 Samuel 30:14)
d. "therefore thus says the Lord God, "Behold, I will
stretch out My hand against the Philistines, even cut off the Cherethites
and destroy the remnant of the seacoast." (Ezekiel 25:16)
e. "Woe to the inhabitants of the seacoast, The nation of the
Cherethites! The word of the Lord is against you, O Canaan, land of the
Philistines; And I will destroy you So that there will be no inhabitant."
(Zephaniah 2:5)
f. Many of the Cherethites had defected to David: 2
Samuel 8:18; 1 Kings 1:38
g. "Let us look further at the Cherethites, who composed
part of David's bodyguard. First Samuel 30:14 speaks of the "Negeb of the
Cherethites/Cretans." It is easy to see from the Hebrew why scholars equate
Cherethite with Cretan. Cherethite is kereti. Hebrew script is consonantal,
and notice that kereti has the same consonants as in the name Crete
(McCarter 1980, 435; Albright 1975, 512; Stiebing 1989, 175-76). One
biblical reference to the Cherethites though, 2 Samuel 20:23, reads kari
rather than kereti; therefore, this reference could be translated as
Carians rather than Cherethites. However, it may be concluded that at least
some of the Philistines/Sea Peoples came from Crete." (Philistines: Giving
Goliath His Due, Neal Bierling, Ch 3)
h. "As can be seen from the list of Ramesses III, the
Egyptians considered the Philistines to be one of these invading Sea
Peoples. It appears then that the Philistines can be associated with the
Trojans of western Anatolia and with the Achaeans. The best areas to search
for the specific point of origin of the Philistines seem to be western
Anatolia, Crete, and the Greek peninsula in the locale of Athens and
Mycenae." (Philistines: Giving Goliath His Due, Neal Bierling, Ch 3)
4. Caphtorites (Keftiu, Kftyw): residents of Crete
also called Caphtor.
a. "Mizraim became the father of Ludim and Anamim and
Lehabim and Naphtuhim and Pathrusim and Casluhim (from which came the
Philistines) and Caphtorim." (Genesis 10:13-14)
b. "Mizraim became the father of the people of Lud, Anam,
Lehab, Naphtuh, Pathrus, Casluh, from which the Philistines came, and
Caphtor." (1 Chronicles 1:11-12)
c. "Egyptian records of the Late Bronze Age speak clearly
of four localities on Crete or "Keftiu" (Kftyw), which could also be
translated "Caphtor" in the Egyptian language. There is almost universal
agreement that the Egyptian "Kftyw" refers to Crete" (Philistines: Giving
Goliath His Due, Neal Bierling, Ch 3)
d. "Caphtor is referred to as Kaptara in Accadian, kptr in
Ugaritic, and Keftiu in Egyptian. These references are to be dated from as
early as 2200 BC down to about 1200 BC. The Egyptian sources are especially
helpful in identifying Caphtor as Crete. On the other hand, there is a
Jewish tradition that the Caphtorim were from Cappadocia; the Septuagint
reads "Cappadocia" instead of "Caphtor." This has led some to
suggest that Caphtor is to be identified with a coastal region of Asia
Minor or with the island of Carpathos. Perhaps by the 13th century BC,
"Caphtor" was used in a broad sense for the Aegean area from which the
Philistines came." (Tyndale Bible Dictionary, Caphtor)
e. "There is clear evidence connecting the culture of Crete
with that of the Philistines. Indeed in the Bible the Philistines are
sometimes mentioned in conjunction with the Cheretim. Caphtor is also
mentioned in the documents of Mari and Ugarit and many scholars tend for
these reasons to identify Caphtor with Crete. Others prefer to identify it
with the Keptiu of the Egyptian sources, a people who dwelt in Cilicia
(Asia Minor)." (Archaeological encyclopedia of the Holy Land, Caphtor)
f. "In Jeremiah 47, the prophecy promises the destruction
of Tyre, Sidon, and the Philistines from Caphtor. This passage also
identifies Caphtor as an island or coastland. The possibility of the
relation of the Caphtorim to the Cherethites is strengthened by the
latter's association with the Philistines. A problem associated with
Caphtor is its identity. Its traditional identification with Crete
(Vercoutter 1956) has been challenged with the proposal of Cyprus (Strange
1980; Merrillees 1982). The issue has been addressed in three areas:
archaeology, philology, and geography. As to the archaeology, the absence
of Cretan ceramic wares after the mid-15th century B.C. in Egypt and
Ugarit, despite the presence of textual citations for Caphtor/Keftiu until
the mid-14th century in Egypt and the mid-13th century at Ugarit, has been
used to argue against Crete as an identification (Merrillees 1982:
247-48). However, a similar argument could be made for the Cypriote ware
in Egypt (exclusive of Amarna) at the same time (Knapp 1983: 285-86;
1985). Further, the textual and pictorial evidence in the chapel of
Rekhmire is closely tied together (Vercoutter 1956: 185-88) so that
attempts to separate the Keftiu from "the isles in the midst of the
sea" and from the Minoan dress worn by the figures (Strange 1980:
44-70) seem strained (Görg 1982; Kitchen 1983). As to philology, the
identifiable "offspring" of Egypt in Genesis 10 appears to reflect
place names or people who lived in or near Egypt. The order of the names
seems to be according to the number of consonants in the root, beginning
with two (LUD) and proceeding to four (NAPHTUHIM and all the names of v
14). Thus the order of the names is probably not intended to follow a
geographical sequence (Wenham Genesis WBC, 224). Caphtor is also mentioned
in Egyptian (kftiw, kftyw), Akkadian (kap-ta-ra), Ugaritic (kptr), and
Greek (kabdēros) texts (Vercoutter 1956; Strange 1980: 16-112). The 18th
dynasty list of names from Egypt, with the title "to make names of
Keftiu" has been used to argue a non-Greek, ancient Near Eastern
environment more like Cyprus than Crete (Strange 1980: 94-96, 166).
However, there can be no certainty as to what the list was intended to
reflect (Astour 1982: 395) nor as to the accuracy of the analysis of the
names (Vercoutter 1956: 46-47; Kitchen 1983)." (ABD, Caphtor)
5. Wasasa/Weshesh: Wasasa named in Egyptian Medinet
Habu record
a. From south western Anatolia
b. People known as Carians and Carites
c. Carites mentioned in 2 Kings 11:4,19, (Carites may be a
variation of spelling for Cherethites)
6. Tjekker/Tjikar: Tjekker named in Egyptian Medinet
Habu record
a. Lived on Island of Cyprus and in Dor, Israel
7. Danuna/Danaoi/Denyen: Danaoi named in Egyptian
Medinet Habu record
a. Same as the Homeric Danaans in the Iliad
8. Sherden named in Egyptian Karnak record
9. Tursha/Teresh/Trojans named in Egyptian Karnak
record
10. Sheklesh named in Egyptian Karnak record and in Egyptian
Medinet Habu record
11. Rw-ku/Lukka is named in Egyptian Karnak record
a. From land of Lukka, which is known as Lycia
b. People called Lycians
12. Ekwesh/Eqwesh is named in Egyptian Karnak record
a. Residents of Achaea in Greece
b. People called Achaeans
II. Philistines at the time of Abraham - Joseph/Ephraim
A. Philistine territory at the time of Abraham included Gerar:
1. In 2075 BC, the Philistine capital in Canaan was at
Gerar at the time of Abraham and Isaac:
a. Although the global capital of the Philistines
was always Crete but in Canaan, their local "city state" was headed at
Gerar near Gaza.
b. The Philistines were already well established in
the land in 2075 BC since Abraham and Sarah encountered Abimelech king of
the Philistines in the city of Gerar.
c. "So they made a covenant at Beersheba; and
Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, arose and returned to the
land of the Philistines. Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and
there he called on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God. And Abraham
sojourned in the land of the Philistines for many days." (Genesis
21:32-34)
d. "Now there was a famine in the land, besides
the previous famine that had occurred in the days of Abraham. So Isaac went
to Gerar, to Abimelech king of the Philistines." (Genesis 26:1)
2. Archeological excavations at Gerar:
a. "Of particular interest is a Minoan graffito
found in the sacred precinct dating to ca. 1600 BC. Analyses of the sherd
determined that it originated in Crete, most likely the south coast (Day et
al. 1999; Oren et al. 1996). There are four Minoan signs on the graffito,
inscribed prior to firing, which represent a bull's head, cloth, branch
and figs (Oren et al. 1996: 99-109). In addition to the graffito, an
unusual chalice of Canaanite shape and fabric was found in a room on the
east side of the sacred area. What makes the chalice unusual is its high
arching handles, a well-known feature of Minoan chalices, but not of
Canaanite (Oren et al. 1996: 95, 96; Oren 1993: 581)." (The Genesis
Philistines, Bryant Wood, May 31, 2006)
3. In 1 Chronicles 7:20-22, Ephraim's two sons are
killed by the men of Gath.
a. Although the Philistines are not named, we know
the Philistine Pentapolis that included Gath existed at the time of Joshua.
b. The reference to Gath may be to Gittaim: 2
Samuel 4:3
B. Philistine feathered helmet on the Phaistos disk from Crete: 1700 BC
1. The importance of the Phaistos disk cannot be
understated.
c. Bible-trashers say that the references to Philistines in
Genesis at the time of Abraham are mythical and the Bible is wrong.
a. The feathered Philistine helmet is clearly seen many times
on the disk which dates to 1700 BC, which is 150 years before the exodus.
b. This provided archeological evidence that the Philistines with
their distinctive war helmets were in existence only 300 years after
Abraham and 150 years before Moses.
d. In 1908 AD, the disk was discovered in Phaistos, Crete while
the site was being professionally excavated.
e. Several other artifacts have been excavated with similar
designs and symbols on them.
C. About the Phaistos Disk:
1. "The Phaistos Disk is a round clay tablet 61/2
inches in diameter discovered during excavations at the palace of Phaistos
in S Crete in 1908 and dated stratigraphically to the 17th century b.c.e.
The disk is inscribed on both sides with a pictographic script that is not
apparently related to other Cretan scripts. The number of individual
pictographs used on the disk is 45, a fact that suggests a syllabic script.
The most noteworthy aspect of the writing is that the signs were not
incised or drawn into the clay, but rather made by impressing stamps, in
history's first example of movable type. None of the numerous attempts at
deciphering the relatively short text has gained acceptance; the language
of the inscription has thus also remained unknown." (ABD, Languages, Vol
4, p165)
2. "This can be seen on the famous Phaistos Disc
(ca. 1600 B.C.) where there is a picture of a man wearing the famous
"feathered" headdress of the Philistines. This same headdress is worn
by Philistine soldiers in Egyptian artwork depicting the Egyptian battles
fought against the Sea Peoples in ca. 1200 B.C. But the best proof of some
sort of a connection between the ancient Minoans and the Philistines is to
be seen in two temples: one found at Anemospilia on the Island of Crete and
the other found at the site of the ancient Philistine city of Ekron in
Canaan." (Did Abraham Learn Human Sacrifice From The Philistines? A
Comparative Study of Two Temples, One Minoan and One Philistine, Clyde E.
Billington, The Near East Archaeological Society Bulletin: New Series, Nos.
39-40, p 26, 1995 AD)
3. "Most importantly, pictographic signs that were
documented for the first time on the Phaistos disk were later found on
other inscribed artefacts as well - on the Arkalochori axe, on the Malia
altar stone and on the sealing HM 992 from Phaistos." (Notes on the
Authenticity of the Phaistos Disk, Pavol Hnila, Anodos. Studies of the
Ancient World p 59-66, 2009 AD)
D. Some wrongly suggest that the Phaistos disk is a forgery:
1. The "typeset" stamped style of the disk is
unique in the ancient world. To professional archeologists, the stamped
characters look like a high-school hoax with the expectation that no one
would take it seriously.
2. "The terracotta Phaistos disk is strikingly
similar to a lead disk inscribed in Etruscan found in Magliano, Italy. Both
objects are roughly circular and both are covered by text placed along
lines forming a spiral. The Magliano disk was known already by the end of
19th century, and Eisenberg sees in it the inspiration for the Phaistos
disk. Pernier was well aware of the parallels and he included photographs
of the Magliano disk in his publication of the Phaistos disk. This can be
viewed either as a sophisticated attempt to imply connections between
Crete and Etruria at a time when still little was known about Minoan
civilization, or simply as another proof of Pernier's scientific
sincerity. The only other Minoan artefact with an inscription written along
a spiraliform line is a gold ring from Mavro Spilaio. Though the ring was
found during Evans's excavation in 1926, Eisenberg questions its
authenticity. The diameter of the ring is only 13 mm, which makes it
difficult to actually wear it. Perhaps the ring was worn by a child, The
ring of Mavro Spilio with an inscription in Linear A or by an adult on the
little finger, or it was not made to be worn in the first place. Producing
a forgery in gold is more difficult and costly than producing one in clay.
If there is no specific scientific motive, it makes little sense to smuggle
a faked golden ring into an excavation, as the forger would probably only
receive a cash reward far lower than the price obtainable on the
antiquities' market. The ring is therefore likely to be a genuine
artefact and its existence proves the occasional use of a spiral layout for
text arrangements on Minoan Crete." (Notes on the Authenticity of the
Phaistos Disk, Pavol Hnila, Anodos. Studies of the Ancient World p 59-66,
2009 AD)
3. "The much-invoked thermoluminiscence analysis of
the disk might bring about some light in the darkness. Yet, it is a
destructive method and there is no real guarantee that the results will
be free of any ambivalence. The research must continue, but in conclusion,
let us set one thing straight: until someone proves unequivocally that a
forgery took place, Luigi Pernier, his team members and Émile Gilliéron
senior should not be accused."(Notes on the Authenticity of the Phaistos
Disk, Pavol Hnila, Anodos. Studies of the Ancient World p 59-66, 2009 AD)
E. Other archeological finds that corroborate the Phaistos disk from Crete:
1. Seal HM 992:
a. Seal HM 992 Phaistos Crete was excavated by Doro Levi in
1955 AD
b. It features the unique "comb" symbol: See #21 on Phaistos
Disk
2. Blue Limestone Altar Stone:
a. Blue Limestone Altar Stone was a surface find by farmer in
1937 AD at Malia Crete
b. It features many similar characters found on the Phaistos
disk.
3. Arkalochori Cave Axe:
a. Arkalochori Cave Axe was excavated in 1934 on Crete by
Spyridon Marinatos
b. It features many similar characters found on the Phaistos
disk: See #2, 19, 35 on Phaistos Disk
4. Lead Magliano Disk:
a. The "Lead Magliano Disk" is a Double sided,
spiral-inscribed metal disk discovered in Italy in 1882 AD
b. It is from the Etruscan culture dating to 600-500 BC.
c. It features a spiral text on both sides like the Phaistos
disk but the characters are not similar at all.
5. Mavro Spilio Gold Ring:
a. The "Mavro Spilio Gold Ring" features a spiral text and
was discovered in the Necropolis of Mavro Spileo (Knossos) Crete, and dates
to 1500 BC
b. The spiral design is similar to the Phaistos disk.
III. Philistines Pentapolis at the time of Moses and Joshua: 1446-1406 BC
A. The six city state empires of the Amorites and Philistines in 1406 BC:
1. Philistine Pentapolis of city states
a. Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, Ekron
b. in coastal plain
c. Archeology of the Philistine pottery has confirmed that
Ashkelon was the production center for the monochrome Canaan Philistine
pottery, so it was most likely also the capital of the Pentapolis. Ashkelon
is also a huge ancient city that has one of two in situ clay brick arched
city gates (the other is at Tel Dan).
d. Ex 13:17-18; Deut 2:23; Josh 11:22; 13:2-3; Judges
1:18-19; 3:1-3
i. "Now Joshua was old and advanced in years when the Lord said
to him, "You are old and advanced in years, and very much of the land
remains to be possessed. "This is the land that remains: all the regions
of the Philistines and all those of the Geshurites; from the Shihor which
is east of Egypt, even as far as the border of Ekron to the north (it is
counted as Canaanite); the five lords of the Philistines: the Gazite, the
Ashdodite, the Ashkelonite, the Gittite, the Ekronite" (Joshua 13:1-3)
ii. "Now these are the nations which the Lord left, to test
Israel by them (that is, all who had not experienced any of the wars of
Canaan; only in order that the generations of the sons of Israel might be
taught war, those who had not experienced it formerly). These nations are:
the five lords of the Philistines and all the Canaanites and the Sidonians
and the Hivites who lived in Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal-hermon as far
as Lebo-hamath." (Judges 3:1-3)
2. Amorite Pentapolis of 112 city states in Judea
a. Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, Eglon
b. In hill country (Jerusalem is capital)
c. "So the five kings of the Amorites, the king of
Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish,
and the king of Eglon, gathered together and went up, they with all their
armies, and camped by Gibeon and fought against it." (Joshua 10:5)
3. Amorite 15 city state Basham empire
a. King Jabin at Hazor
b. Hazor, Madon, Shimron, Achshaph, Dor
c. Joshua 11:1-3,10; Judges 4:2
i. "Then it came about, when Jabin king of Hazor heard of it,
that he sent to Jobab king of Madon and to the king of Shimron and to the
king of Achshaph, and to the kings who were of the north in the hill
country, and in the Arabah-south of Chinneroth and in the lowland and on
the heights of Dor on the west- to the Canaanite on the east and on the
west, and the Amorite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Jebusite in
the hill country, and the Hivite at the foot of Hermon in the land of
Mizpeh." (Joshua 11:1-3)
ii. Hazor was the top king of the land over the other city kings
in 1406 BC: "Then Joshua turned back at that time, and captured Hazor and
struck its king with the sword; for Hazor formerly was the head of all
these kingdoms." (Joshua 11:10)
iii. Hazor was called the "King of Canaan" at the time of
Deborah in 1200 BC: "And the Lord sold them into the hand of Jabin king of
Canaan, who reigned in Hazor; and the commander of his army was Sisera, who
lived in Harosheth-hagoyim." (Judges 4:2)
4. Amorite 60 city states Bashan empire
a. King Og of Bashan at Ashtaroth
b. Deut 3:4; 4:47; Josh 12:4-5; 13:30-31; Neh 9:22;
5. Shechem/Shiloh city state empire
a. Being Hebrew friendly & joined Joshua is confirmed in
Amarna Letters below:
b. Shechem: Amarna Letters: EA246, 254, 244, 289
c. Shiloh: Amarna letter: EA288
d. Detailed outline on the Amarna Tablets
6. Amorite city state empire at Hesbon
a. King Shihon at Heshbon
b. Deut 4:47; Josh 12:2; 13:27; Neh 9:22;
B. Chronology of the Philistine Pentapolis:
1. 1446 BC: The exodus of the Jews began at Goshen
and went south not west:
a. At the time of the Exodus the Philistine
Pentapolis was in full operation: Philistine Pentapolis: Ashdod, Gaza,
Ashkelon, Gath, Ekron.
b. At the time of the Exodus, the Philistines
probably also continued to occupy Gerar as they had from the time of
Abraham.
c. "Now when Pharaoh had let the people go,
God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even
though it was near; for God said, "The people might change their minds
when they see war, and return to Egypt." Hence God led the people around
by the way of the wilderness to the Red Sea; and the sons of Israel went up
in martial array from the land of Egypt." (Exodus 13:17-18)
d. The "Way of Horus" was an ancient road
that started at Goshen (Tel el-Dab'a, Avaris) and flanked the coastline
north to Tyre, Sidon and Biblos etc.
e. The "land of the Philistines" in Ex
13:17 = Philistine Pentapolis: Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, Ekron
2. 1406 BC: God told Moses at the Arnon river at the
time of the conquest:
a. "And the Avvim, who lived in villages as
far as Gaza, the Caphtorim who came from Caphtor, destroyed them and lived
in their place." (Deuteronomy 2:23)
b. We have direct confirmation from the mouth
of God that the Philistines from Crete conquered Gaza and occupied it
before 1406 BC.
c. In 1406 BC, the Amorite Pentapolis of five
cities controlled that area that would become the Philistine Pentapolis,
but with different cities.
3. 1399 BC: Joshua gave Judah the five Philistine
Pentapolis cities as their tribal allotment:
a. "Ekron, with its towns and its villages;
from Ekron even to the sea, all that were by the side of Ashdod, with their
villages. Ashdod, its towns and its villages; Gaza, its towns and its
villages; as far as the brook of Egypt and the Great Sea, even its
coastline." (Joshua 15:45-47)
b. Gath is not mentioned specifically but it is
clearly inside Judah's inheritance.
c. Gath was a Philistine stronghold at the
time of the conquest where the giants continued to live after Joshua's
death.
d. Ekron appears to be part of the Danite
territory too, so perhaps Judah possessed up to the borders of Ekron but
not the city itself.
e. It made little difference who controlled
Ekron because faithless Dan moved north and abandoned their historic
inheritance.
4. 1399 BC: Joshua allotted the tribe of Dan much of
the rich fertile land where the coastal Philistines and the Canaanites to
the north lived.
a. "The seventh lot fell to the tribe of the
sons of Dan according to their families. The territory of their inheritance
was Zorah and Eshtaol and Ir-shemesh, and Shaalabbin and Aijalon and
Ithlah, and Elon and Timnah and Ekron, and Eltekeh and Gibbethon and
Baalath, and Jehud and Bene-berak and Gath-rimmon, and Me-jarkon and
Rakkon, with the territory over against Joppa." (Joshua 19:40-46)
b. In 1340 BC: The faithless tribe of Dan was
unable to live in their allotted area because it was occupied by Amorites
(not Philistines): "Then the Amorites forced the sons of Dan into the hill
country, for they did not allow them to come down to the valley." (Judges
1:34)
c. What is interesting is that the term
"Amorites" sometimes is used in the Bible as a generic foreign nation
as a synonym for many other specific nations including the Philistines. For
example the king of Jerusalem is called an Amorite, yet we know they were
Jebusites.
5. 1356 BC: Around time Joshua died, the Philistine
Pentapolis was in full operation and controlled the coastline of Canaan:
a. "Now these are the nations which the Lord
left, to test Israel by them (that is, all who had not experienced any of
the wars of Canaan; only in order that the generations of the sons of
Israel might be taught war, those who had not experienced it formerly).
These nations are: the five lords of the Philistines and all the Canaanites
and the Sidonians and the Hivites who lived in Mount Lebanon, from Mount
Baal-hermon as far as Lebo-hamath." (Judges 3:1-3)
b. "the five lords of the Philistines: the
Gazite, the Ashdodite, the Ashkelonite, the Gittite, the Ekronite" (Joshua
13:1-3)
c. Goliath was descended from the giants
(Anakim) from Gath from the time of Joshua: "There were no Anakim left in
the land of the sons of Israel; only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod some
remained." (Joshua 11:22)
d. "And Judah took Gaza with its territory and
Ashkelon with its territory and Ekron with its territory. Now the Lord was
with Judah, and they took possession of the hill country; but they could
not drive out the inhabitants of the valley because they had iron
chariots." (Judges 1:18-19)
IV. Philistines at the time of Deborah and Rameses III: 1184-1153 BC
A. In 1177 BC the Philistines conquer the world triggering the collapse of
Late Bronze age society:
1. Rameses III: 1184-1153 BC: 8th year is 1177
BC:
a. "Much of what we know about the Philistine appearance in
Canaan is based on hieroglyphic texts and pictorial reliefs in the
magnificent mortuary temple of Pharaoh Ramesses III (c. 1184-1153) at
Medinet Habu in the Theban necropolis in Egypt. There we learn of a major
confrontation between the Egyptians and a coalition of displaced groups
referred to as the "Sea Peoples." This confrontation took place in the
eighth year of Ramesses III, that is, about 1177 B.C. Throughout this
article, I follow the [low] chronology of Kenneth A. Kitchen." (The
Philistines Enter Canaan, Bryant G. Wood, BAR 17:06, Nov/Dec 1991 AD)
2. The Philistines arrived in a series of
migration "waves" at the time of Abraham, Moses and Deborah (Rameses
III: 1184-1153 BC)
3. Although the Philistines were already
occupying their Pentapolis, in 1177 BC, there was a huge swell of
Philistine power resulting in them conquering the entire Mediterranean
world.
4. "Pharaoh Rameses III recorded that the
Philistines were one tribe of a coalition of "Sea Peoples" who swept
across Anatolia (modern Turkey) and down the Mediterranean coast intent on
taking up residence in Egypt. In his eighth year (ca. 1177 BC), Rameses III
turned them back at the border and the various tribes of the Sea Peoples
were forced to settle elsewhere. The Philistines ended up in one of the
choicest areas of Palestine, the southwest coastal region. Archaeologists
have been able to track their presence there because of their distinctively
Aegean material culture, especially their pottery (Wood 1991). According to
the Bible, the Philistines originated in "Caphtor" (Jer 47:4; Am 9:7),
identified as the island of Crete (Hess 1992)." (The Genesis Philistines,
Bryant Wood, May 31, 2006)
5. The radiocarbon results, in relation to
archaeological and historical data, lead us to propose a date of
1194-1190 BC for the Sea People event in the northern Levant. This
radiocarbon-based archaeological date can be refined with the astronomical
observation related on the cuneiform tablet KTU 1.78 (RS 12.061) found
among the ruins of Ugarit. The sun eclipse depicted on the cuneiform tablet
KTU 1.78 was dated to the 21 January 1192 BC [31], suggesting that the
destruction of the city and the fall of the kingdom occurred after this
observation. The date of 1192-1190 BC for the Sea People invasions in the
northern Levant, and the end of the ancient Eastern Mediterranean world
fits the radiocarbon, historical, archaeological and astronomical data. ...
Our research suggests that the traditional Egyptian date for the decline of
the ancient Mediterranean world, based on sources from Ramses III's reign,
only corresponds to the final part of a more complex and longer-term event
that intensified after 1215 BC with the first written evidence of food
shortage. According to the Great Harris Papyrus and to the scenes of naval
and land battles depicted at Medinet Habu (Thebes, Upper Egypt), Ramses III
defeated the Sea Peoples during the 8th year of his reign. The first regnal
year of Ramses III is variously dated in the literature, giving historical
dates of 1176 BC, 1179 BC, and a radiocarbon-based date of 1188-1177 BC
for the Sea People invasions in the Nile delta. According to the
1192-1190 BC proposed date, the civilizations of the Aegean and Eastern
Mediterranean were devastated long before the war the Sea Peoples waged
against Ramses III's army. By a combined use of radiocarbon, archaeological
and historical data, the first firm date of 1192-1190 BC is proposed for
the terminal destruction and disintegration of Late Bronze Age societies in
the Northern Levant. The collapse caused by the Sea Peoples marks a
historical watershed and from these crisis years arose a new world. Later,
the Greeks narrated and heroised this period with the myths and stories on
the fall of Troy (Homer's Iliad and Odyssey). Some of the Sea Peoples, the
Philistines, received a significant recognition in Biblical texts, and the
name Palestine derives from these settlers. (The Sea Peoples, from
Cuneiform Tablets to Carbon Dating, David Kaniewski, 2011 AD)
6. "The sixth and seventh peoples, the
Casluhites and Caphtorites, must be treated together since our
understanding of these peoples is related to the phrase "from whom the
Philistines came" (v. 14). We do not know the location of the Casluhites,
but there is wide agreement that Caphtor is the Aegean isle Crete. The
association of Cretan culture with Egypt has long been established. Amos
9:7 and Jer 47:4, as well as extrabiblical sources, indicate that the
Philistines were from Caphtor (Crete). In the table, however, the origins
of the Philistines are attributed to the unknown Casluhites. Commonly,
interpreters emend the reading of the text by taking the last clause with
"Caphtorites" rather than Casluhites, thereby resolving the apparent
tension between the sources. Alternatively, the addendum "Philistines,"
as it stands, is recognized as a necessary explanation of Philistine
origins that was based on an authentic early memory, namely, that the
Philistines originally descended from the Casluhites. ... Others, as we
will see next, argue that there are two migrations in view, an earlier
group that Abraham and Isaac encountered in Canaan and a subsequent
migration among the Sea Peoples (ca. 1200 b.c.). (Yale Bible dictionary)
7. "In the latter half of the second millennium
b.c. there were extensive movements in the eastern Mediterranean area.
Masses of homeless peoples moved slowly across the sea and its coast-lands,
displacing or merging with the older populations. These migrations ended
the Minoan civilization in Crete, contributed to the historical populations
of Greece and Italy, wiped out the Hittite Empire, thrust the Philistines
into Canaan, and washed up on the shores of Egypt. In Ramses III's eighth
year the pharaoh met and checked their attempt to push into the rich lands
of the Nile. The victory was only a check, because the Egyptian Empire in
Asia ended shortly after. The following accounts of this war come from
Ramses III's temple of Medinet Habu at Thebes." (ANET 262)
B. Philistine conquest of 1177 BC (Year 8) from Ramses III's temple of
Medinet Habu at Thebes:
1. Plate 46: Philistines conquer the world,
attack Israel, Rameses III repels them at the border: 1177 BC:
a. Discussion of Plate 46: The hieroglyphic inscription is
from a large wall relief that features vertical lines of text. The
Philistines had controlled the 5 cities of their Pentapolis since the time
of Moses, but now a new influx of Philistine warriors reinforced,
rejuvenated and solidified their power in their historic territory on the
coastal plain. It describes how the Philistines are unstoppable. However,
Rameses III successfully repelled their attack of Egypt by setting up a
frontier battle line at the Wadi El-Arish (the border between Egypt and
Israel). Notice the inscription lists the coalition of nations fighting
with the Philistines:
b. Translation #1 of Plate 46: Lines 1-27
"(1) Year 8 under the majesty of (Ramses III).... (16) ... The foreign
countries made a conspiracy in their islands. All at once the lands were
removed and scattered in the fray. No land could stand before their arms,
from Hatti (Hittite), Kode, Carchemish, Arzawa, and Alashiya on, being cut
off at [one time]. A camp [was set up] in one place in Amor. They desolated
its people, and its land was like that which has never come into being.
They were coming forward toward Egypt, while the flame was prepared before
diem. Their confederation was the Philistines, Tjeker, Shekelesh, Denye(n),
and Weshesh, lands united. They laid their hands upon the lands as far as
the circuit of the earth, their hearts confident and trusting: "Our plans
will succeed!" Now the heart of this god, the Lord of the Gods, was
prepared and ready to ensnare them like birds.... I [Rameses III] organized
my frontier in Djahi [Israel], prepared before them:-princes, commanders
of garrisons, (20) and maryanu. I have the river-mouths prepared like a
strong wall, with warships, galleys and coasters, (fully) equipped, for
they were manned completely from bow to stern with valiant warriors
carrying their weapons. The troops consisted of every picked man of Egypt.
They were like lions roaring upon the mountain tops. The chariotry
consisted of runners, of picked men, of every good and capable
chariot-warrior. The horses were quivering in every part of their bodies,
prepared to crush the foreign countries under their hoofs. I was the
valiant Montu [Egyptian war god], standing fast at their head, so that they
might gaze upon the capturing of my hands....* Those who reached my
frontier, their seed is not, their heart and their soul are finished
forever and ever. Those who came forward together on the sea, the full
flame was in front of them at the river-mouths, while a stockade of lances
surrounded them on the shore. They were dragged in, enclosed, and
prostrated on the beach, killed, and made into heaps from tail to head.
Their ships and their goods were as if fallen into the water. I have made
the lands turn back from (even) mentioning Egypt; for when they pronounce
my name in their land, then (25) they are burned up. Since I sat upon the
throne of Har-akhti and the Great-of-Magic [The uraeus-serpent, symbol of
kingship.] was fixed upon my head like Re, I have not let foreign countries
behold the frontier of Egypt, to boast thereof to the Nine Bows. I have
taken away their land, their frontiers being added to mine. Their princes
and their tribespeople are mine with praise, for I am on the ways of the
plans of the All-Lord, my august, divine father, the Lord of the Gods."
(Medinet Habu: Earlier Historical Records of Ramses III, James Breasted,
Vol 1, 1930, Plate 46, lines 1-27)
c. Translation #2 of Plate 46: lines 1,16, 31
"Year 8 under the majesty of (Ramses III)....The foreign countries made a
conspiracy in their islands. All at once the lands were removed and
scattered in the fray. No land could stand before their arms, from Hatti,
Kode, Carchemish, Arzawa, and Alashiya on, being cut off at [one time]. A
camp [was set up] in one place in Amor. They desolated its people, and its
land was like that which has never come into being. They were coming
forward toward Egypt, while the flame was prepared before diem. Their
confederation was the Philistines, Tjeker, Shekelesh, Denye(n), and
Weshesh, lands united. They laid their hands upon the lands as far as the
circuit of the earth, their hearts confident and trusting: "Our plans
will succeed!" ... The northern countries quivered in their bodies, the
Philistines, Tjekk[er, and ... ]. They cut off their (own) land and were
coming, their soul finished. They were teher-warriors on land; another
(group) was on the sea. Those who came on [land were overthrown and killed
... ]. Amon-Re was after them, destroying them. Those who entered the
river-mouths were like birds ensnared in the net.... Their leaders were
carried off and slain. They were cast down and pinioned." (The ancient Near
East an anthology of texts and pictures, J. B. Pritchard, 1987 AD, p262,
inscription of Ramses III lines 1,16, 31, 1184-1153 BC)
d. Image of Plate 46:
2. Plate 31: Egyptians attack the Philistines in
Israel: 1177 BC:
a. Discussion of Plate 31: The initial scene shows Ramses
III and his troops leaving Egypt, on the march against the Philistines.
Panning along the relief, the next scene has Rameses III engaged in a land
battle with the Philistines on Israel soil, likely in the coastal plain of
the historic Pentapolis. It is assumed from plate 28 below, that Pharaoh
Rameses III was victorious although this is not stated in the text of plate
31.
b. Translation of Plate 31:
"His majesty sets out for Djahi, like unto Montu, to crush every foreign
country that violates his frontier. His troops are like bulls ready upon
the field of battle; his horses are like falcons in the midst of small
birds." (Medinet Habu: Earlier Historical Records of Ramses III, James
Breasted, Vol 1, 1930, Plate 31)
c. Image of Plate 31:
3. Plate 28: Egyptians defeat the Philistines in
Israel: 1177 BC:
a. Discussion of Plate 28: This is a huge wall relief of 75
vertical lines of hieroglyphic text measuring 18.75 meters wide x 4.7
meters high. Although the text indicates line 51 is year 5, it is in fact
year 8. It documents how Rameses III defeated the Philistines as they
approached Egypt both on land and sea. This defeat was short lived because
the following year the Philistines triumphed in Asia triggering the
collapse of Egyptian power in Asia. The Philistines became a solid presence
in Israel reinforcing their 5 city Pentapolis that had existed from the
time of Moses. Shamgar and Samson battled this renewed and reenergized
Philistine presence in Israel. David finally defeated them, first with
Goliath in 1025 BC, then all five Pentapolis cities fell in 997 BC when
David fulfilled the land promise of Abraham (Gen 15:18). It is interesting
to note that when David was fleeing from Saul, that David became the army
commander of the king of Gath who called David, "his angel". These
friendly relations may date back to a covenant Isaac made with the
Philistine king of Gerar.
b. Translation of Plate 28: line 51
"(51) The northern countries quivered in their bodies, the Philistines,
Tjekk[er, and ... ]. They cut off their (own) land and were coming, their
soul finished. They were teher-warriors on land; another (group) was on the
sea. Those who came on [land were overthrown and killed ... ]. Amon-Re was
after them, destroying them. Those who entered the river-mouths were like
birds ensnared in the net.... Their leaders were carried off and slain.
They were cast down and pinioned" (Medinet Habu: Earlier Historical
Records of Ramses III, James Breasted, Vol 1, 1930, Plate 28, line 51)
c. Image of Plate 28:
4. Plate 37: Philistines attack Israel: 1177 BC:
a. Discussion of Plate 37: This is a huge wall relief of 75
vertical lines of hieroglyphic text measuring 15 meters wide x 5.6 meters
high. This scene shows a naval battle, with four Egyptian ships engaged
with five Philistine ships, one of which is capsized. The relief shows the
Egyptians triumphantly shooting arrows from their ships at the Philistines
ships whose crew are in panic as they are hit by arrows and falling
overboard. Meanwhile, Pharaoh Rameses III and his land troops fight from
the shoreline and kill any Philistines who try to swim safely to shore.
Flanking almost the entire bottom of the relief are two rows of captive
Philistines being led by Egyptians. The Philistines have their elbows tied
together to the point of dislocation and their necks are strung together by
rope. The Egyptian's artistic representation of the Philistines on this
relief wall is where we get some the best and clearest images of their
dress, their weapons and their two kinds of helmets: Feathered and horned.
The right side of each of the two rows of men are Egyptian solders where
the upper row are archers and the bottom row are troops. The left sides are
Philistine captives with Egyptians leading them. It is easy to identify
Egyptians from Philistines by their feathered or horned helmets and their
clothes. Only the Egyptians are carrying weapons and only the Philistines
are bound.
b. Translation of Plate 37:
"Now then, the northern countries which were in their islands were
quivering in their bodies. They penetrated the channels of the
river-mouths. Their nostrils have ceased (to function, so) their desire is
to breathe the breath. His majesty has gone forth like a whirlwind against
them, fighting on the battlefield like a runner. The dread of him and the
terror of him have entered into their bodies. They are capsized and
overwhelmed where they are. Their heart is taken away, their soul is flown
away. Their weapons are scattered upon the sea. His arrow pierces whom of
them he may have wished, and the fugitive is become one fallen into the
water. His majesty is like an enraged lion, attacking his assailant with
his arms: plundering on his right hand and powerful on his left hand, like
Seth destroying the serpent "Evil of Character." It is Amon-Re who has
overthrown for him the lands and has crushed for him every land under his
feet." (Medinet Habu: Earlier Historical Records of Ramses III, James
Breasted, Vol 1, 1930, Plate 31)
c. Image of Plate 37:
V. Philistines at the time of David: 1025-997 BC
A. David kills Goliath:
David Kills Goliath
(the Philistine)
wearing the distinctive
"feathered" war helmet.
1. The timeless story of David killing the
Philistine Giant Goliath was the greatest story of faith.
2. Here is the David and Goliath battle map
in the valley of Elah.
a. Of course, Qeiyafa did not exist at the time of the
battle in 1025 BC, but David built the circular fortress as a monument to
the great battle.
b. The circular outer gates of the city echo the "circle of
saul's army camp", although most the most ancient cities were circles
and ovals. (Beersheba)
c. Qeiyafa was abandoned in David's later years or during
the reign of Solomon.
d. The Elah Valley splits the northern/eastern area occupied
by the Hebrews from the western/southern portion occupied by the
Philistines.
e. The Philistines occupied Azekah south along the hills to
Socoh.
f. The Hebrews occupied the ridge on the north side of
the Elah Valley.
g. The Philistine camp was located in the valley to the
south of Akekah.
h. Saul's circular camp was located in the valley to the
east of the Qeiyafa ridge.
3. Sling Stones:
a. David selected 5 round river stones either the size of
tennis balls or ping pong balls. Both sizes have been excavated at Khirbet
El-Maqatir. Notice the dark flint grain in the picture below. If you smash
these hard against another flint or with iron, they shatter and create very
sharp surgical grade knives. It is this kind of flint that would be used in
arrows for war.
b. Pictured below is an authentic shepherds sling (modern
reproduction) and ping pong size flint nodule sling stones excavated in
Israel:
c. The sling stones of the late bronze and Iron ages were
the size of tennis balls and were generally flint nodules that where gently
chipped to enhance and perfect their already almost circular natural form.
d. Sometimes common limestone fieldstones would be selected
because they are round and used as is or be chipped to improve their
roundness.
e. Pictured below are 100 flint nodule sling stones used in
war the size of tennis balls excavated by the author at Kh. Maqatair
(Biblical Ai of Joshua, Ephraim of Jesus in John 11)
B. Many of the Philistines had defected to David and become his allies: 2
Samuel 8:18; 1 Kings 1:38
1. It is interesting to note that when David was
fleeing from Saul, that David became the army commander of the king of Gath
who called David, "his angel" (1 Samuel 29:9). These friendly relations
may date back to a covenant Isaac made with the Philistine king of Gerar.
David had many trusted Philistines in his command network.
2. The first mention of the Cherethites, is when
the Amelekites raided them in the Negev and David at Ziglag. At this early
time the Cherethites where loyal to David: "We made a raid on the Negev
of the Cherethites, and on that which belongs to Judah, and on the Negev of
Caleb, and we burned Ziklag with fire." (1 Samuel 30:14)
3. David had three sects of the "Sea Peoples"
defect and join his forces, perhaps as mercenaries, but also more likely
that they saw the virtue and power of David and that God was with him:
a. "Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites
and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief ministers." (2 Samuel
8:18)
b. "Now all his servants passed on beside him, all the
Cherethites, all the Pelethites and all the Gittites, six hundred men who
had come with him from Gath, passed on before the king. Then the king said
to Ittai the Gittite, "Why will you also go with us? Return and remain
with the king, for you are a foreigner and also an exile; return to your
own place. "You came only yesterday, and shall I today make you wander
with us, while I go where I will? Return and take back your brothers; mercy
and truth be with you." But Ittai answered the king and said, "As the
LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely wherever my lord the king
may be, whether for death or for life, there also your servant will be."
Therefore David said to Ittai, "Go and pass over." So Ittai the Gittite
passed over with all his men and all the little ones who were with him."
(2 Samuel 15:18-22)
c. "David sent the people out, one third under the
command of Joab, one third under the command of Abishai the son of Zeruiah,
Joab's brother, and one third under the command of Ittai the Gittite. And
the king said to the people, "I myself will surely go out with you
also."" (2 Samuel 18:2)
d. "So Joab's men went out after him, along with the
Cherethites and the Pelethites and all the mighty men; and they went out
from Jerusalem to pursue Sheba the son of Bichri." (2 Samuel 20:7)
e. "So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah the
son of Jehoiada, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites went down and had
Solomon ride on King David's mule, and brought him to Gihon." (1 Kings
1:38)
f. "The king has also sent with him Zadok the priest,
Nathan the prophet, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the Cherethites, and the
Pelethites; and they have made him ride on the king's mule." (1 Kings
1:44)
4. The Cherethites and the Pelethites are never
mentioned again after the coronation of Solomon.
5. God prophesied through Jeremiah 47:4 and Amos
9:7 (see above) that the Philistines would go into extinction.
a. "Behold, I will stretch out My hand against the
Philistines, even cut off the Cherethites and destroy the remnant of the
seacoast." (Ezekiel 25:16)
b. "For Gaza will be abandoned And Ashkelon a desolation;
Ashdod will be driven out at noon And Ekron will be uprooted. Woe to the
inhabitants of the seacoast, The nation of the Cherethites! The word of the
LORD is against you, O Canaan, land of the Philistines; And I will destroy
you So that there will be no inhabitant. So the seacoast will be pastures,
With caves for shepherds and folds for flocks. And the coast will be For
the remnant of the house of Judah, They will pasture on it. In the houses
of Ashkelon they will lie down at evening; For the LORD their God will care
for them And restore their fortune." (Zephaniah 2:4-7)
VI. Philistine and Libyan Prisoners of War:
1. Rameses III (1184-1153 BC) capture Philistine
prisoners of war: 1177 BC
a. From a large stone wall relief in the Medinet Habu in
Thebes, in the 8th year, there are relief of Philistines with elbows tied
together so as to dislocate the joins.
b. The later Assyrians and Babylonians (850-600 BC) would put a
fishhook through the nose or lip and tie a string connecting everyone.
2. Rameses III capture Libyan prisoners of war: 1180
BC
a. In the 5th year of Rameses III's reign (1180 BC) he
defeated the Libyans. From a large stone wall relief in the Medinet Habu in
Thebes, the Libyans are killed and their hands are severed and thrown into
victory heaps.
b. Another scene shows how Libyans are captured and bound by
dislocated their shoulders. The Egyptians tied the elbows together to they
touched in three ways: behind back, over the head and in front. Each way
dislocated the shoulders and caused incredible pain. This would disable
him in war if he escaped, but it would heal in a few months so he could be
sold as a slave. They were also connected with ropes. Notice the tattoos on
the arms of the Libyans that were forbidden by the Law of Moses (Lev
19:28).
VII. Philistine war gear: Feathered and horned helmets, spears and shields:
1177 BC
A. The large stone wall relief in the Medinet Habu in Thebes, in the 8th
year, shows the two different kinds of Philistine helmets.
1. Here are stone carvings of the classic
"feather" Philistine helmit as well as the "horned" Philistine
helmets.
VIII. Philistines trigger collapse of Bronze Age and mark beginning of Iron
age: 1177 BC
A. Discussion about the Iron age starting in 1177 BC:
1. Note: "Iron Age" is identified not merely by the
use of iron, but also ceramic pottery types, language scripts, artwork and
building construction differences.
2. The Archeological Bronze Age changed to the Iron age
in Canaan because of the Philistines conquered the Asia and the Levant in
1177 BC.
a. The records of Rameses III document a great
world uprising of the Philistines and describes them as unstoppable in his
8th regnal year (1177 BC)
3. Philistine pottery:
a. The trademark "Philistine pottery" with its
swirls, spirals and cross-hatch design found at Gath and other Philistine
sites emerged in Judea in 1177 BC.
b. Around 1200 BC monochrome Philistine pottery
gradually over 100 years expanded to include bichrome forms around 1100 BC.
c. Philistine monochrome pottery dates to
1200-1100 BC
d. Philistine bichrome pottery dates to 1100 -
1000 BC
4. Iron was in use throughout Canaan at the time of Moses
and Joshua, which is 250 before the "Iron age" began.
a. Moses warned not to use iron in shaping stones
for Jewish altars.
i. "Moreover, you shall build there an altar to the Lord your
God, an altar of stones; you shall not wield an iron tool on them."
(Deuteronomy 27:5)
b. In 1406 BC the philistines possessed iron chariots
at the time of Joshua in Canaan.
i. "And Judah took Gaza with its territory and Ashkelon with its
territory and Ekron with its territory. Now the Lord was with Judah, and
they took possession of the hill country; but they could not drive out the
inhabitants of the valley because they had iron chariots." (Judges 1:18-19)
c. The king of Og was a giant with a 17-foot-long iron
bed.
i. "For only Og king of Bashan was left of the remnant of the
Rephaim. Behold, his bedstead was an iron bedstead; it is in Rabbah of the
sons of Ammon. Its length was nine cubits and its width four cubits by
ordinary cubit." (Deuteronomy 3:11)
d. The iron from the conquest of Jericho was to be put
into the public treasury.
i. Jericho: "But all the silver and gold and articles of bronze
and iron are holy to the Lord; they shall go into the treasury of the
Lord." (Joshua 6:19, 24)
e. The iron from the conquest of the trans-Jordan was
distributed among the Israelites to use freely.
i. "Joshua said to them (trans-Jordan tribes), "Return to your
tents with great riches and with very much livestock, with silver, gold,
bronze, iron, and with very many clothes; divide the spoil of your enemies
with your brothers."" (Joshua 22:8)
f. In 1200 BC, Deborah defeated Sisera who had 900
iron chariots
i. "Sisera called together all his chariots, nine hundred iron
chariots, and all the people who were with him, from Harosheth-hagoyim to
the river Kishon." (Judges 4:13)
g. Goliath's spear was made of iron:
i. "The shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and the
head of his spear weighed six hundred shekels of iron; his shield-carrier
also walked before him." (1 Samuel 17:7)
5. At the time of Saul (1052 BC), the Philistines had
succeeded in controlling all the Iron among the Hebrews.
a. "Now no blacksmith could be found in all the
land of Israel, for the Philistines said, "Otherwise the Hebrews will
make swords or spears." So all Israel went down to the Philistines, each
to sharpen his plowshare, his mattock, his axe, and his hoe. The charge was
two-thirds of a shekel for the plowshares, the mattocks, the forks, and the
axes, and to fix the hoes. So it came about on the day of battle that
neither sword nor spear was found in the hands of any of the people who
were with Saul and Jonathan, but they were found with Saul and his son
Jonathan." (1 Samuel 13:19-22)
b. 1 Samuel 13:19 dates 130 years AFTER the "Iron
age began" in 1177 BC.
c. It clearly represents a specific moment in
Israel's history where they were oppressed because they were already in
possession of Iron the previous century.
B. The Archeologist's problem of the Philistine Pentapolis in 1446 BC:
1. Most conservative Bible believing archeologists
explain the Philistine Pentapolis described in scripture before 1177 BC as
an anachronism.
2. As the story goes, from the time of Joshua's death
in 1356 BC to the supposed "first arrival" of the Philistines in 1177
BC is only 180 years, but we know that story is wrong.
3. The Bible makes it clear that the Philistine
Pentapolis was in existence at the time of Moses and Joshua: Josh 13:1-3;
Judges 3:1-3.
4. The transition between the Late Bronze age and the
Iron age is set at 1177 BC BECAUSE that is when the Philistines are
believed to first occupy the coastal regions of Canaan and the five cities
of the Philistine Pentapolis.
a. We are certain that there was a major uprising
of the Philistines who essentially conquered the world nations bordering on
the Mediterranean Sea from Asia down to Egypt around 1177 BC based upon
extant inscriptions of Rameses III.
b. There were in fact sufficient cultural and
ceramic changes to warrant the Iron Age beginning in 1177 BC in spite of
the fact that the Philistines had continuously occupied their Pentapolis of
5 city states from the time of Moses.
5. It is the massive influx of new and culturally
distinct Philistines in 1177 BC who moved in with their fellow Philistines
who caused the cultural revolution that triggered the collapse of the Late
Bronze age and the beginning of the Iron IA age.
C. Philistine Pentapolis in 1446 is not anachronistic (Ex 13:17-18 and Josh
13:1-3 and Judges 3:1-3)
1. If Philistines did not occupy the five coastal cities
of their Pentapolis, why did God say to Moses he would NOT, "by the way
of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near" (Exodus
13:17-18)
a. Comment: To make this into an anachronism added by a later
editor and adopted into our bible begs the question. It also creates a
fictitious, phantom enemy of the Philistines when the truth is it was
another entirely different people called the Canaanites etc. Further, the
supposed editor could have simply said "the Way of Horus" or the costal
highway and the point would have been equally valid. Adding
"Philistine" doesn't add any new detail... it creates an historic
error for Bible trashers to jump on!
2. If Philistines did not occupy the five coastal cities
of their Pentapolis, why is there a specific mention of the Philistines as
those "nations" that remained after the death of Joshua:
a. Comment: There is zero value in a latter editor adding the
anachronistic "Philistines" as one of the nations NOT driven out by the
Hebrews at the time of Joshua. It creates an historic error. It is argued
that it assisted in locating the geography of WHERE Israel failed to drive
out the Canaanites. Yet the cities themselves are named as well know
locatives making it is unnecessary to add "Philistines" since these
cities were all ancient, long predating the exodus itself in 1446 BC. This
is not an anachronism because is creates an historic fiction of Philistines
in the land which do not assist in providing a locative superior than the
city names alone.
b. "Now Joshua was old and advanced in years when the Lord said
to him, "You are old and advanced in years, and very much of the land
remains to be possessed. "This is the land that remains: all the regions
of the Philistines and all those of the Geshurites; from the Shihor which
is east of Egypt, even as far as the border of Ekron to the north (it is
counted as Canaanite); the five lords of the Philistines: the Gazite, the
Ashdodite, the Ashkelonite, the Gittite, the Ekronite; and the Avvite"
(Joshua 13:1-3)
c. "Now these are the nations which the Lord left, to test
Israel by them (that is, all who had not experienced any of the wars of
Canaan; only in order that the generations of the sons of Israel might be
taught war, those who had not experienced it formerly). These nations are:
the five lords of the Philistines and all the Canaanites and the Sidonians
and the Hivites who lived in Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal-hermon as far
as Lebo-hamath." (Judges 3:1-3)
3. If the Philistines occupied the five coastal cities of
their Pentapolis, why are they not listed as one of the seven nations
living in Canaan whom Joshua was defeat?
a. "This is the land that remains: all the regions of the
Philistines and all those of the Geshurites; from the Shihor which is east
of Egypt, even as far as the border of Ekron to the north (it is counted as
Canaanite); the five lords of the Philistines: the Gazite, the Ashdodite,
the Ashkelonite, the Gittite, the Ekronite" (Joshua 13:1-3)
b. ANSWER: Notice the statement that the Philistine controlled
lands are "counted as Canaanite". In other words, the Philistines are
referred to as the more generic "Canaanites". Therefore, the Canaanites
included the Philistines. In Joshua 10:5, the King of Jerusalem was an
Amorites, yet we know that the Jebusites occupied Jerusalem. This may be
because the Amorites were a ruling foreign class that governed the Jebusite
people. Yet we know that the term Amorite is applied to a wide range of
peoples so that it almost becomes a synonym similar to the generic
"Gentile".
4. Why does Joshua in Judges 1:18-19 name several
Philistine Pentapolis cities being captured without naming the Philistines?
a. ANSWER: Notice the capture of these cities was hampered by
iron chariots in the cities next to the coast. This is historically
accurate and was the reason why the faithless tribe of Dan gave up on their
allotted inheritance and opted to move north to Laish (Tel Dan). So, the
Philistine Pentapolis cities were a strong undefeatable force at the time
of Joshua, except by faith.
5. Why does the book of Judges not record any oppression
by the Philistines or defeat of the Philistines until after the death of
Deborah in 1200 BC, when Shamgar first engaged the Philistines?
a. ANSWER: The Philistines never tried to control, oppress or
extract tribute from the Hebrews. They co-existed as two separate nations.
The first three judges liberated the Hebrews from the outside oppression of
the area wherein they lived and occupied in the hill country.
6. Why does Judges 3:5-6 not list the Philistines?
a. "The sons of Israel lived among the Canaanites, the
Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and
they took their daughters for themselves as wives, and gave their own
daughters to their sons, and served their gods." (Judges 3:5-6)
d. ANSWER: Notice that the Hebrews and Philistines
lived in distinct geographical areas. The Philistines occupied the coastal
plain and the other nations LIVED AMONG the Hebrews in the hill country in
inside their cities.
6. It is clear that these references to Philistines at
the time of Moses and Joshua are not anachronistic but represent a real
occupation by the Philistines from 1446 BC down to the time of David.
D. Anachronism and prolepsis does occur in the Bible:
1. Some argue that since we are certain that Anachronism
and prolepsis does occur in the Bible in some places, therefore the
references to Philistines in Canaan before 1177 BC in the Pentateuch and
Joshua can also be proleptic.
a. While this is reasonable, it does not need to be the case
because it actually creates contradictions in scripture, history and
archeology.
b. Comment: The problem with Philistine being proleptic, is that
it invents a fictitious enemy which is factually and historically
inaccurate and there is no need to change "Canaanite" (or whatever) to
the technically incorrect "Philistine" since the locations of the five
named cities was well understood. There are other examples of proleptic
references.
2. Here is a discussion of all known Anachronisms in the
Pentateuch and Joshua and Judges:
a. All the accepted and known examples of prolepsis are simple
updated name changes of cities.
b. Suggesting that Philistines occupied five cities on the coast
inside Canaan as a cause of fear for the Exodus Hebrews to return to Goshen
goes way beyond a mere update of a city name. It creates an historic
fiction!
c. While there are clear examples of someone changing or
updating the text of the Pentateuch, the references to the Philistine
Pentapolis as anachronism create contradiction, are counterproductive and
do not provide any new clarity for later readers.
Prolepsis or Anachronism in the Bible
Original name when stories happened
Later proleptic/anachronistic name used in in the narration of earlier stories before the name existed at that time
Philistines at the time of Joshua: In Josh 13:1-3 etc, references to the "five lords of the Philistines: the Gazite, the Ashdodite, the Ashkelonite, the Gittite, the Ekronite" are later parenthetical insertions to explain the location of the area being described.
The cities themselves are named as locatives, it is unnecessary to add "Philistines" since these cities were all ancient, long predating the exodus itself in 1446 BC. This is not an anachronism because it creates an historic fiction of Philistines in the land which do not assist in providing a locative superior than the city names alone.
Luz: Renamed "Bethel" by Jacob in Gen 28:19 between 2006 -1886 BC
Bethel used 4 times: Genesis 12:8; 13:3. Here we have an example of Moses updating the name before the renaming took place. This shows that the Holy Spirit will employ anachronisms by Moses himself!
Laish, Leshem: Renamed "Dan" by Tribe of Dan in 1304 BC in Judges 18:29; Josh 19:47
Dan used 2 times: Gen 14:14; Deut 34:1. Dan did not move north to Laish until after 1340 BC, long after both Moses AND Joshua where dead. Someone after Moses died updated the name.
Unknown original name: Genesis 13:10-11 and 50 additional times
Jordan River: The tribe of Dan migrated north to Laish in 1340 BC (Judges 18-19). Jordan means literally, "down from Dan", ie Laish was the headwaters of Tel-Dan and therefore the river flowed "down" from the "tribe of Dan" at Laish. Someone after Moses died updated the name.
Zephath: Renamed Hormah by the tribes of Judah and Simeon in 1399 BC in Judges 1:17
Hormah used 5 times in Num 14:45; Deut 1:44; Josh 12:14; 15:30: 19:4. Someone after Moses died updated the name.
Mamre, Kiriath-Arba: Renamed Hebron possibly in 1094 BC, 7 years before Zoan was built in Egypt in 1087 BC. However, there is evidence and it is more likely that Zoan had been founded much earlier since Psalm 78:43 says that Zoan existed at the time of the Exodus in 1446 BC. But the Ps. Reference itself may be a proleptic name for Goshen since at the time of David and Ps 78, Zoan was the name used for the region of the eastern delta. The reference to Zoan in Num 13:22, on the other hand, may be a later editorial update.
Hebron used 15 times in Genesis, Joshua and Judges: Gen 13:18; 23:19; 37:14; Num 13:22; Josh 10:3,5,23,36,39; 11:21; 12:10; 14:13; 21:13; Judges 1:20. Someone after Moses died updated the name.
Ur: Gen 11:28, 31; 15:7: The town in Mesopotamia from which Abraham came to the Promised Land is called "Ur of the Chaldeans"
Of the Chaldeans: "Linguistic Evidence. "Chaldeans" (note the l) is a later spelling than the Genesis Kasdîm (note the s). Akkadian scholars have long recognized a peculiarity of the Akkadian language: the phenomenon of a phonetic shift of the sibilant (s) to a lamed when the sibilant is followed by a dental (d). The shift (s to l) appeared in the second millennium B.C. and continued until the Neo-Babylonian era (ca. 600- 550 B.C.).18 This places the phenomenon at least as early as Middle Babylonian (1500-1000 B.C.).19 That means that the form in a Moses-authored Genesis (ca. 1400 B.C.) falls within the range of time that Kasdîm occurs. Therefore, the linguistic shift cannot be employed to deny Mosaic authorship and argue for some form of textual updating. ... Thus, we come to the conclusion that the Chaldeans are more ancient than the Assyrian records. A more reasonable approach to the mention of Chaldeans in the patriarchal narratives would be to accept the biblical references as original, since the available cuneiform records are admittedly fragmentary and incomplete.... In seeking a resolution to the problem presented by the mention of the Chaldeans in the patriarchal narratives, we must realize that "commitment to inerrancy, even in its broader terms, doubtless requires faith in the future resolution of a number of problems in Scripture, through a deeper penetration of the text itself and of the realities to which it refers." Therefore, I prefer the stance of Kelso, with which this paper began. I prefer to wait for the Chaldeans to actually turn up in some cuneiform document that is either contemporary with the biblical patriarchs or at least pre-Mosaic. Until that time, I prefer to accept the Scriptural account as original and accurate, without resorting to anachronism or textual updating." ("UR OF THE CHALDEANS" Gen 11:28-31: A Model for Dealing with difficult texts, William D. Barrick, 2009 AD)
This is not an anachronism because Moses correctly recorded that the Chaldeans (Moses used the correct term for the period: "Kasdîm") date back to the time of Abraham.
Land of, city of Rameses
1870 BC: "So Joseph settled his father and his brothers and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had ordered." (Genesis 47:11)
1446 BC: "So they appointed taskmasters over them to afflict them with hard labor. And they built for Pharaoh storage cities, Pithom and Raamses." (Exodus 1:11, MT)
The LXX adds: "so they constructed fortified cities for Pharaoh, both Pithom, Rameses, and On, which is Heliopolis."
Rameses: This is viewed by most as an anachronism added by a later editor because the Ramesside dynasty from archeology did not predate the 13th century BC. Notice that the Hebrews settled in the "land of Rameses" whe they arrived in 1870 BC and built the city of Rameses the year they left in 1446 BC. This is not an anachronism because one day they may discover that the land of Goshen was called the Land of Rameses at the time of Joseph. It may very well be that Rameses I took on the name BECAUSE of its ancient tradition that dates back to the 19th century BC.
E. Moses didn't write the Pentateuch and the later writer added the
anachronisms?
1. The fact that Judges was written after the Assyrian
Captivity of 723 AD doesn't mean that the author would add the
Philistines into the story of the conquest via anachronism or change the
fact that Moses did write the Pentateuch!
2. There are some direct indications Moses did not every
word in the first five books of the Bible, most notably Deut 34 which
describes events AFTER Moses' death.
a. But his does not mean that additional text is an uninspired
gloss.
b. Both Deut. and Joshua were updated after Moses and Joshua's
death.
c. It is likely this inspired writer who appended both books at
the same time.
d. This accounts for the other clearly anachronistic statements
in the Bible about the Jordan and the tribe of Dan etc. in 1340 BC.
e. So even a date of 1340 BC accounts for 100% of the known or
suggested anachronisms in these books.
3. We are certain that Moses wrote the "book of the
Law":
a. Keep in mind, however, that Moses wrote the "book of the
law" which was placed on the side of the Ark of the Covenant, while the
Ten Commandments (written by God) were placed inside the Ark. "Then He
commissioned Joshua the son of Nun, and said, "Be strong and courageous,
for you shall bring the sons of Israel into the land which I swore to them,
and I will be with you." It came about, when Moses finished writing the
words of this law in a book until they were complete, that Moses commanded
the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying,
"Take this book of the law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of
the LORD your God, that it may remain there as a witness against you."
(Deuteronomy 31:23-26)
b. This book of the law was written just before Moses died in
1406 BC and was written in the hieroglyphic Hebrew script that predated
Paleo-Hebrew.
c. It is possible that Genesis - Deut were written after
Moses died but embedded with the Pentateuch, the entire "Mosaic book of
the Law" given to Joshua, inside the 5 books.
4. Moses is attributed by all other authors and Jesus
himself as writing Genesis - Deut:
a. The classic statement by Jesus proves that Moses wrote
messianic passages about Jesus: (Gen 3; 12;15; Deut 18:18; Num 24:15-17
etc. ""For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote
about Me. "But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe
My words?"" (John 5:46-47).
b. There are many examples of inspired prophets using scribes to
record their divine messages from God. Perhaps Moses enlisted the help of a
scribe who then wrote the last chapter after he died.
c. The inspired author of Joshua may have appended the last
chapter of Deut 24 to the book.
Did write the Pentateuch?
Problem:
Solution:
Deut 34 includes events after Moses died
The additional text was not written by Moses but by another inspired prophet. A date of 1340 BC accounts for all known anachronistic references.
Gen 12:6; 13:7 seem to indicate that the book was written at a later time when the Canaanite was no longer in the land.
Yet God specifically promised Abraham that he would dispossess 7 nations including the Canaanites etc. in Genesis 15:18-21. So while this phrase "Now in the land" has been the fodder for endless speculation of a later writer other than Moses, it is not really valid at this place at all. Agreed, it could indicate a later writer, but this is cautioned with a reasonable and logical explanation.
1. "Abram passed through the land as far as the site of Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. Now the Canaanite was then in the land." (Genesis 12:6)
2. "And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock. Now the Canaanite and the Perizzite were dwelling then in the land." (Genesis 13:7)
"Now the man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth." (Numbers 12:3) Humble Moses would not write this about himself. Humble men do not brag about their humility!
Moses wrote under inspiration and it may have been a way to provide not only a compliment to Moses from the Holy Spirit but to highlight Moses as an example to follow. Jesus said of Himself: "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:29)
Gen 36:31 begins to list the kings of Edom "before there was a king in Israel". Saul became king in 1052 BC indicating Genesis was written after Israel's first king.
However, God promised several of the patriarchs that their ancestors would be kings in Genesis 17:6,16. Therefore this is not a certain example of Prolepsis.
1. ""I have made you (Abraham) exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings will come forth from you." (Genesis 17:6)
2. ""I will bless her (Sarah), and indeed I will give you a son by her. Then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her."" (Genesis 17:16)
3. Analysis of the two solutions above:
a. Moses wrote the Pentateuch.
b. Another inspired prophet appended Deut 24 after
Moses died.
c. All known anachronisms can be accounted for by
a single person making the updates in 1340 BC.
d. The book of Joshua 24:29-33 also records events
after Joshua died. Perhaps the same inspired author appended both Deut and
Joshua.
e. Perhaps this same inspired author updated by way
of inspired anachronism the references to Dan in Genesis etc.
f. The Philistine occupation of the 5
pentapolis cities at the time of Joshua is historically accurate.
Archeologists need to update their understanding to account for this.
g. The Philistines occupied the land of Canaan
continuously from the time of Abraham down to the time of king Ahaz (2 Chro
28:18).
4. Conclusion:
a. The power and influence of the Philistines
vacillated over time and 1177 BC represents a period in history when they
were at their peak.
b. Although the Philistine Pentapolis existed as a
kingdom at the time of Joshua, 1177 BC marks and important demarcation
point in archeology.
c. With this in mind, 1177 BC is an excellent
date to begin the Iron age.
Conclusion:
1. Caesar Hadrian renamed Judea "Palestine"
which means literally: "Land of the Philistines"
a. Today when you visit Jerusalem and one of the local
Arabs insists you call it Palestine not Israel, ask him if he is a
decendant of Goliath the Philistine.
b. Today, there is no "land of Palestine" or
"Palestinian people" any more than there are Philistines!
c. 99% of these Arabs living in Israel today are migrants
from other Muslim nations with no occupational history more than a few
dozen years.
d. In AD 1900, almost nobody lived in Canaan/Israel.
e. The Palestinian cause is a lie.
2. The origin of the Philistines is the Island of
Crete.
3. The Philistines continued to hold power down
to the Babylonian captivity of 605 BC:
a. 1094 BC: "When the five lords of the Philistines saw it,
they returned to Ekron that day. These are the golden tumors which the
Philistines returned for a guilt offering to the Lord: one for Ashdod, one
for Gaza, one for Ashkelon, one for Gath, one for Ekron;" (1 Samuel
6:16-17)
b. 605 BC: "and all the foreign people, all the kings of the
land of Uz, all the kings of the land of the Philistines (even Ashkelon,
Gaza, Ekron and the remnant of Ashdod);" (Jeremiah 25:20)
c. The Philistines went extinct with the rise of the
Babylonian empire.
4. The dawn of the Iron age began in 1177 BC.
5. Archeological excavations at Gath and other
Philistine cities:
a. Gath is one of the oldest and continuously
occupied Philistine cities in Canaan dating back to the time of Moses.
Goliath was descended from the giants (Anakim) from Gath from the time of
Joshua. Goliath was one of the giants from Gath descended from the
"Anakim" at the time of Joshua: "There were no Anakim left in the land
of the sons of Israel; only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod some remained."
(Joshua 11:22)
b. Current excavators at Gath (Tel Safi) like Aren
Maeir need to look closely into the dissonance between current
archeological dogma that the Philistines first entered Canaan in 1177 BC
and the Bible fact that the Philistine Pentapolis of cities, including
Gath, were in full operation at the time of the Exodus in the Late Bronze
age (1446 BC). This will require shifting their lowest stratum layers with
"Philistine Pottery" back at least 300 years into the LB age.
c. Since "Philistine monochrome Pottery"
debuted in the 12th century BC, then "older" Stratum layers below
previously assigned to Canaanite must be reassigned to Philistine.
d. The material culture excavated in the Late
Bronze Stratum levels at the five Philistine pentapolis sites (Gaza,
Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, Ekron) need to be understood as being Philistine
culture.
Quick links within this document:
Introduction
Philistine Pottery
I. Origin of the Philistines:
II. Philistines at the time of Abraham: Gerar in 2075 BC
Philistine feathered helmet on the Phaistos disk from Crete: 1700
BC
III. Philistines Pentapolis at the time of Moses and Joshua: 1446-1356 BC
IV. Philistines at the time of Deborah and Rameses III: 1184-1153 BC
V. Philistines at the time of David: 1025-997 BC
Battle map of David and Goliath in the valley of Elah
Sling Stones used by David to kill Goliath the Philistine
VI. Philistine and Libyan Prisoners of War:
VII. Philistine war gear: Feathered and horned helmets, spears and shields:
1177 BC
VIII. Philistines trigger collapse of Bronze Age and mark beginning of Iron
age: 1177 BC
Conclusion
By Steve Rudd. Contact author with comments or questions.
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