The Philistines were located alongside the nation of Israel (Exo. 15:14). They typify the world that is close to the interest of God on earth and attacks and damages the testimony of God on earth to hinder God’s economy (Judg. 13:1; 14:4; 1 Sam. 4:3-11; 17:1, 4, 45-49). See note 1 Sam. 6:41.