The Philistines were the long-standing enemies of Israel, particularly at the time the nation was attempting to establish itself as a monarchy. God originally had given Philistia its territory, assigning its bounds according to the number of the sons of Israel
(Deuteronomy 32:8–9). They possessed territory bordering Judah’s so they might be of service to God’s own nation.1
5 Woe to you inhabitants of the seacoast, you nation of the Cherethites! The word of the LORD is against you, O Canaan, land of the Philistines; and I will destroy you until no inhabitant is left.