069 Philistine Pottery

Museum Description: Philistine Pottery

Room: 57/Case: 9/Number: WA 1.1148

Scripture: Exodus 23:31

All these items demonstrate the skill and the advanced culture of the ancient Philistines.  Excavations have produced large quantities of exquisite pottery decorated with birds, fish, and geometric designs.

The Philistines were the enemies of the Israelites.  They were immigrants who migrated from Crete and settled on the southern coast of Israel. During the Exodus from Egypt, Jehovah told the Israelites to avoid Philistia, as they probably would have viewed the approaching nation as an act of aggression.  They were sent instead to Sinai, where there were only nomadic tribes who would not have been threatened by them. David famously defeated the Philistine giant Goliath, and when he became king subdued the rest of the Philistine nation.  They remained a thorn in the side of Israel, though, for many years.  Other similar or related artefacts are on display in The British Museum.