1 Samuel Charts

ISRAELITES VERSUS PHILISTINES

1 Samuel 4:1-22

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: Aphek to Ebenezer

Winner: Philistines

Comments: The Ark was captured and Eli’s sons killed (1 Samuel 4:1-11)

Location of the Battle: Mizpeh

Winner: Israelites

Comments: 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)

Location of the Battle: Geba

Winner: Israelites under Jonathan

Comments: One detachment destroyed (1 Samuel 13:3, 4)

Location of the Battle: Gilgal

Winner: A standoff

Comments: The Israelites lost their nerve and hid (1 Samuel 13:6-17)

Location of the Battle: Micmash

Winner: Israelites

Comments: 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)

Location of the Battle: Valley of Elah

Winner: Israelites

Comments: David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17:1-58)

Location of the Battle: ?

Winner: Israelites

Comments: David killed 200 Philistines to earn a wife (1 Samuel 18:17-30)

Location of the Battle: Keilah

Winner: Israelites under David

Comments: David protected the threshing floors from Philistine looters (1 Samuel 23:1-5)

Location of the Battle: Aphek, Jezreel, to Mount Gilboa

Winner: Philistines

Comments: Saul and Jonathan killed (1 Samuel 29:1; 31:1-13)

Location of the Battle: Baal-perazim

Winner: Israelites

Comments: The Philistines tried to capture King David (2 Samuel 5:17-25)

Location of the Battle: Gath

Winner: Israelites

Comments: There was very little trouble with the Philistines after this defeat (2 Samuel 8:1)

Location of the Battle: ?

Winner: Israelites

Comments: Abishai saved David from a Philistine giant (2 Samuel 21:15-17)

Location of the Battle: Gob

Winner: Israelites

Comments: Other giants were killed, including Goliath’s brother (2 Samuel 21:18-22)