The Terror of the Philistines
The Terror of the Philistines Great was the terror of the Philistines, when they saw their champion slain. Doubtless the victory of the slim young shepherd lad seemed to them a direct evidence that Israel possessed a god more powerful than theirs, and that Israel’s god was bent on their destruction. To us God’s aid seems to have lain in giving to His champion a stronger faith, a higher spirit and a keener brain than those of Goliath. As David held up the severed head, his own people came pouring across the ravine in triumph, and the Philistines fled. Down from Judah’s mountains swept the rout, and out onto the plains of Philistia, the Israelites pursuing and slaying all whom they could reach, “even unto Gath and unto Ekron.” That is to say, the Philistines had to seek shelter within their own walled cities from the avenging rage of the mountaineers. Philistia in its turn was ravaged and plundered.