ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the literary characterizations of Philistines and the Israelite leaders who fight them in the narrative's final form. The Philistines are particularly well suited as adversaries, fueling much of the unfolding action in 1 Samuel. They are masters of weaponry, seemingly superior militarily to the Israelites. Philistines illustrate the many roles strangers take on in biblical narratives. The Philistines have recognized what God is capable of doing on behalf of the Israelites. The story also serves to remind the Israelites of that fact. They are more troublesome as raiders and plunderers than they had been in Judges, have territorial ambitions they lacked there, and are superior in weaponry and organization to the Israelites. This time the Philistine presence in close proximity triggers not fascination and temptation among Israelites but anxious Israelite cries for a king to lead their battles against their enemies.
