The persistent, ever-present Philistines or Palestinians are still a frustration to Israel. Their history goes back as far as Gen. 10:1414And Pathrusim, and Casluhim, (out of whom came Philistim,) and Caphtorim. (Genesis 10:14) where the name is Philistim. It is the same word that elsewhere is translated Philistine. These people are still active and troublesome to Israel today.
Typically, the Philistines represent the pretension and intrusion of man in the flesh into that which belongs to God. For this reason Israel should have completely dispossessed them because the flesh has no place in the things of God. Israel failed in this and it remains as a lesson for us. We want to clearly learn that the flesh has no place with God. It crucified Christ. The flesh will not have God, and He will not have it.
Today, it is somewhat difficult to say exactly who or what is a Palestinian. We have to remember that there never has been an independent Arab Palestine. But there certainly are numerous people who call themselves Palestinians. Existing as they now do, they are a great problem to Egypt. Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon as well as to Israel.
It appears that the alignment of these different nations around Israel is in the purposes of God to have the powers on the earth as they were when the true Messiah came to the Jews the first time. When Jesus came, the Roman Empire was in control, but these other peoples were there too.
Jordan's Foreign Minister, Taher al-Misri is himself a Palestinian and counsels the Palestinians to penetrate the thinking of the Americans so as to get sympathy and help for the Palestinians. This is a recognition of the great power of the West in seeking their help. Israel has been largely dependent for her present existence and support from the same region.
Among the enemies of Israel listed in the eighty-third Psalm, we find the Philistines. At that future time that begins after the rapture of the true Church to heaven, these enemies take crafty counsel and say, "Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against Thee: the tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes; Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tire; Assur also is joined with them." Most of these enemies can now be identified and are desirous of carrying out their stated purpose to cut Israel off from being a nation.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Resistance Movement in the territories has the Israeli Defense Force bogged down trying to control the rebellion in the occupied territories. Men still have no solution for the Palestinians.
For a solution to all the unrighteousness and misery, this world will have to wait until the day is come when iniquity will have an end. Then the word is. "Thus saith the Lord God; Remove the diadem, and take off the crown [from the anti-christ] this shall not be the same: exalt Him that is tow [the true Christ], and abase him that is high [anti-christ]. I will overturn, overturn, overturn it: and it shall be no more, until He come whose right it is; and 1 will give it Him." Ezek. 21:26, 2726Thus saith the Lord God; Remove the diadem, and take off the crown: this shall not be the same: exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high. 27I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him. (Ezekiel 21:26‑27). Malachi writes of a day when the Sun of righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings. But this is after the day that shall burn as an oven— judgment. Ed.