Could the Palestinians of Gaza be the descendants of the ancient Philistines in the Bible?

[blackbird]

If you read this you will come to the conclusion the answer is yes.

"

Topical Encyclopedia

The Philistines, an ancient people often in conflict with the Israelites, are prominently featured in the biblical narrative as adversaries of Israel. Their gathering against Israel is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, illustrating the ongoing struggle between these two groups.

Historical Context

The Philistines were part of the Sea Peoples who settled along the coastal regions of Canaan, particularly in the area known as Philistia. This region included the five major cities of Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath. The Philistines were known for their advanced military technology, including the use of iron weapons, which gave them a significant advantage over the Israelites, who were primarily agrarian and less technologically advanced.

Biblical Accounts

One of the most notable accounts of the Philistines gathering against Israel is found in 1 Samuel 17, where the Philistines assembled their forces for war at Socoh in Judah. This confrontation led to the famous battle between David and Goliath. The Philistine champion, Goliath, challenged the Israelites to send out a warrior to decide the battle in single combat. David, a young shepherd, accepted the challenge and defeated Goliath with a sling and a stone, leading to a significant victory for Israel.

In 1 Samuel 4, the Philistines gathered at Aphek to fight against Israel, resulting in the capture of the Ark of the Covenant. The Israelites, having suffered a defeat, brought the Ark from Shiloh, hoping it would ensure victory. However, the Philistines defeated Israel, killing thirty thousand foot soldiers and capturing the Ark, which they took to Ashdod.

Another significant gathering is recorded in 1 Samuel 13, where the Philistines assembled to fight Israel after Jonathan, Saul's son, attacked their outpost at Geba. The Philistines mustered a formidable force, described as "thirty thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore" (1 Samuel 13:5). This overwhelming force caused great fear among the Israelites, leading many to hide in caves and thickets.

Theological Significance

The repeated gatherings of the Philistines against Israel serve as a backdrop for demonstrating God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant people. Despite the Philistines' military superiority, God often delivered Israel through unexpected means, such as the faith and courage of individuals like David. These narratives highlight the theme of divine intervention and the importance of faith and obedience to God.

Cultural and Religious Impact

The Philistine threat played a crucial role in shaping Israel's identity and reliance on God. The conflicts with the Philistines underscored the need for unity and strong leadership, eventually leading to the establishment of the monarchy under Saul and later David. The Philistine wars also emphasized the spiritual dimension of Israel's struggles, as victories and defeats were often seen as reflections of the nation's faithfulness to God.

Key Verses

· 1 Samuel 17:1-4 : "Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Socoh in Judah. They pitched camp at Ephes-dammim, between Socoh and Azekah. Saul and the men of Israel gathered and camped in the Valley of Elah, drawing up their battle lines to meet the Philistines. The Philistines stood on one hill and the Israelites on another, with the valley between them. Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height."

· 1 Samuel 4:1-2 : "And Samuel’s words went out to all Israel. Now Israel went out to meet the Philistines in battle and camped at Ebenezer, while the Philistines camped at Aphek. The Philistines deployed their forces to meet Israel, and as the battle spread, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who killed about four thousand men on the battlefield."

· 1 Samuel 13:5 : "Now the Philistines assembled to fight against Israel with three thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Michmash, east of Beth-aven."

Topical Bible: The Philistines Gather against Israel

Notice the red area on this map is where present day Gaza is located.

 

[paxamericana]

No. They were all wiped out during the asyrian conquest and various other wars in the region. As was the case with the lost tribes of Israel.

Edited August 13, 2025 by paxamericana

[PIK]

No they aren't. Palastinains are arab migrants. The palastinian cause was born in the 70's as a ralling cry. The arab nations want this to end. They want hamas to leave,now. But we have the western left wing keeping them going with thier support. Time for carney, karmer and macron to STFU

Edited August 13, 2025 by PIK

[eyeball]

45 minutes ago, PIK said:

Palastinains are arab migrants.

Above all else though they're human beings.

46 minutes ago, PIK said:

But we have the western left wing keeping them going with thier support.

Western right wingers don't support human beings? WTF is wrong with you people?

[SpankyMcFarland]

1 hour ago, PIK said:

No they aren't. Palastinains are arab migrants. The palastinian cause was born in the 70's as a ralling cry. The arab nations want this to end. They want hamas to leave,now. But we have the western left wing keeping them going with thier support. Time for carney, karmer and macron to STFU

That’s like saying everyone in the British Empire was ethnically British. A relatively small number of Arabs invaded the region and brought their religion and language with them. Research on their DNA shows that Palestinians, like Jews, are partially descended from the Canaanite population that preceded the Abrahamic religions in the region. 

[CouchPotato]

5 hours ago, blackbird said:

If you read this you will come to the conclusion the answer is yes.

I don't think so, Tim.

I mean it's possible that a lot of Palestinian people may have descended from them, yes, that wouldn't be a stretch. But as a relatively intact ethnic group, I don't think that's very likely. There have been all kinds of people in Israel since the days of the Palestinians. There is no mention of Palestinians in the New Testament. There were so many tribes present in and around the Holy Land, there is no way any of them could exist today. They have all been assimilated by other peoples. Have you ever heard anyone claim to be an Edomite or a Moabite or a Hittite?

Are the French Franks or Gauls, Visigoths... etc etc?

Edited August 13, 2025 by CouchPotato

[eyeball]

22 minutes ago, CouchPotato said:

Are the French Franks or Gauls, Visigoths... etc etc?

I bet they were human beings above all else too.

I bet Neanderthals would be able to point to the more relevant point that they were simply beings.

[herbie]

The Sea People were the ones commonly blamed for the Bronze Age collapse around 1200 BC. and there is current evidence the Philistines first settled in Canaan around 1175 BC until vanquished around 600 BC.

There is much study around this, like where exactly did they come from and how did they possibly have conquered and devastated so many empires.
So Blackbird poses a viable possibility.

[paxamericana]

6 minutes ago, eyeball said:

I bet they were human beings above all else too.

Okay well then who is considered subhumans then? A label without any hierarchal meaning is not useful. The Indian caste system and British nobility are supposed to give some distinction. Same as title to your profession. 

Edited August 13, 2025 by paxamericana

[eyeball]

9 minutes ago, paxamericana said:

Okay well then who is considered subhumans then?

Primates.

 

[CouchPotato]

This stuff is kind of interesting to think about though. I find the Basques kind of fascinating. They apparently have a fairly close genetic relationship with other Iberians as well as the Irish and Welsh. But Basque is a language isolate. It's not related to any Indo-European languages. Kind of a mystery. 

[Aristides]

They could be descendants of Jews, Philistines, Assyriians, Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Ottomans plus a few others. Palestine nationalism became a thing during the Ottoman period. 

Edited August 14, 2025 by Aristides

[August1991]

On 8/13/2025 at 9:22 PM, Aristides said:

They could be descendants of Jews, Philistines, Assyriians, Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Ottomans plus a few others. Palestine nationalism became a thing during the Ottoman period. 

I gave some serious thought to this.

Some 2000 years ago, with 30 years each generation, that means 60 various couplings: love, orgasm, rape, whatever.

I am the product. I have the DNA of a woman and man alive some 2000 years ago.

So here's the kicker:  I am certain that neither could take a derivative. I understand calculus - and use this forum.

[blackbird]

On 8/13/2025 at 9:32 AM, PIK said:

No they aren't. Palastinains are arab migrants

I think many of them, whether you call them Arabs or Palestinians, are descendants of ancient tribes that lived in the middle east.

"

Canaanites, Philistines, and ancient Hebrews

The ancestors of Gaza Palestinians can be traced back to various groups throughout history, including the Canaanites, Philistines, and ancient Hebrews. Genetic studies indicate that modern Palestinians share a common ancestry with other Levantine populations, suggesting a deep historical connection to the region. Some Palestinian families, particularly in the Hebron and Nablus regions, claim Jewish and Samaritan ancestry, while others trace their lineage to Ishmael, indicating a diverse heritage shaped by migrations and intermarriages over centuries. 

 

Wikipedia"

 

"Prior to the mid-20th century, the term Palestinian was used as regional term, much like referring to residents of parts of the United States as “Southerners.” This usage dates back to several centuries before Christ. The word Palestinian has its roots in a Hebrew word meaning “Philistine.”

Until Israel was re-established as a nation in 1948, Palestine was the term for the territory between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River. The word Palestinian was applied to anyone living in that area. As one of the longest continually inhabited places on earth, this region has changed political ownership numerous times and has been a nexus of migration for many different cultures. The modern-day “Palestinians” represent a mixture of local inhabitants and many other groups of Muslims brought from Bosnia, the Balkans, and the Caucasus by the Turks in the 16th to 19th centuries; and from the Sudan, Egypt, Syria, and Lebanon by the British in the 20th century.

The term Palestinian did not take on its current popular meaning until the mid-20th century. In common use today, the term Palestinian is primarily applied to non-Jewish, Arabic-speaking residents of this region. This usage is highly controversial, however, since for most of human history a “Palestinian” was simply a person born or living in that land. When used in reference only to non-Jews, it implies an historical claim to the territory in opposition to Israel. In reality, the concept of Palestine as a nation-state in opposition to Israel or as a racial group predating the presence of Jewish inhabitants is historically false.

Recent genetic studies have confirmed that the ancestries of Jewish and Arabic inhabitants of Palestine are extremely similar. Geneticists have concluded that the people living in these regions share a common ancestry, through people groups continually living in the Palestine territory. This directly contradicts the claim that certain inhabitants, particularly Jewish inhabitants of Israel, have no ancestral claim to the land. At the same time, there is no evidence suggesting that modern Palestinians are direct descendants of either the Canaanites or the Philistines of the Old Testament. Many Arabs are descendants of Ishmael; but, since the land of Canaan was promised to the sons of Jacob, Arabs have no biblical claim to the land of Palestine.

Regardless of definitions and precise lineage, Palestinians, like all human beings, are ultimately descended from the same original mother and father (Genesis 3:20). Human beings have often forgotten this when constructing cultural, geographic, and political lines. Much of the angst over who should or should not be called a Palestinian, or whether it matters where such a group came from, is based on divisions that forget our common heritage."

From whom are the modern Palestinians descended? | GotQuestions.org

[SkyHigh]

On 8/13/2025 at 8:57 AM, blackbird said:

If you read this you will come to the conclusion the answer is yes.

"

Topical Encyclopedia

The Philistines, an ancient people often in conflict with the Israelites, are prominently featured in the biblical narrative as adversaries of Israel. Their gathering against Israel is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, illustrating the ongoing struggle between these two groups.

Historical Context

The Philistines were part of the Sea Peoples who settled along the coastal regions of Canaan, particularly in the area known as Philistia. This region included the five major cities of Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath. The Philistines were known for their advanced military technology, including the use of iron weapons, which gave them a significant advantage over the Israelites, who were primarily agrarian and less technologically advanced.

Biblical Accounts

One of the most notable accounts of the Philistines gathering against Israel is found in 1 Samuel 17, where the Philistines assembled their forces for war at Socoh in Judah. This confrontation led to the famous battle between David and Goliath. The Philistine champion, Goliath, challenged the Israelites to send out a warrior to decide the battle in single combat. David, a young shepherd, accepted the challenge and defeated Goliath with a sling and a stone, leading to a significant victory for Israel.

In 1 Samuel 4, the Philistines gathered at Aphek to fight against Israel, resulting in the capture of the Ark of the Covenant. The Israelites, having suffered a defeat, brought the Ark from Shiloh, hoping it would ensure victory. However, the Philistines defeated Israel, killing thirty thousand foot soldiers and capturing the Ark, which they took to Ashdod.

Another significant gathering is recorded in 1 Samuel 13, where the Philistines assembled to fight Israel after Jonathan, Saul's son, attacked their outpost at Geba. The Philistines mustered a formidable force, described as "thirty thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore" (1 Samuel 13:5). This overwhelming force caused great fear among the Israelites, leading many to hide in caves and thickets.

Theological Significance

The repeated gatherings of the Philistines against Israel serve as a backdrop for demonstrating God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant people. Despite the Philistines' military superiority, God often delivered Israel through unexpected means, such as the faith and courage of individuals like David. These narratives highlight the theme of divine intervention and the importance of faith and obedience to God.

Cultural and Religious Impact

The Philistine threat played a crucial role in shaping Israel's identity and reliance on God. The conflicts with the Philistines underscored the need for unity and strong leadership, eventually leading to the establishment of the monarchy under Saul and later David. The Philistine wars also emphasized the spiritual dimension of Israel's struggles, as victories and defeats were often seen as reflections of the nation's faithfulness to God.

Key Verses

· 1 Samuel 17:1-4 : "Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Socoh in Judah. They pitched camp at Ephes-dammim, between Socoh and Azekah. Saul and the men of Israel gathered and camped in the Valley of Elah, drawing up their battle lines to meet the Philistines. The Philistines stood on one hill and the Israelites on another, with the valley between them. Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height."

· 1 Samuel 4:1-2 : "And Samuel’s words went out to all Israel. Now Israel went out to meet the Philistines in battle and camped at Ebenezer, while the Philistines camped at Aphek. The Philistines deployed their forces to meet Israel, and as the battle spread, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who killed about four thousand men on the battlefield."

· 1 Samuel 13:5 : "Now the Philistines assembled to fight against Israel with three thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Michmash, east of Beth-aven."

Topical Bible: The Philistines Gather against Israel

Notice the red area on this map is where present day Gaza is located.

 

Wait are you calling Jesus a Philistine?

You do realize he was from what we now call Palestine right?

[blackbird]

1 hour ago, SkyHigh said:

Wait are you calling Jesus a Philistine?

You do realize he was from what we now call Palestine right?

Not sure why you say that.    

I don't call Israel Palestine.  The Arabs claim the area is Palestine.  It is a disputed area. 

".... Bible shows that Jesus is a Jew.

Jesus was born to a Jewish mother, Mary, and raised in a Jewish home, which confirms His Jewish identity. 

He is listed in the genealogies as the son of David and Abraham, tracing His lineage through the Jewish people. 

Jesus identified Himself as a Jew, stating, "You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews" (John 4:22). 

His teachings and actions aligned with Jewish customs and traditions, further establishing His Jewish heritage. 

Thus, the Bible consistently portrays Jesus as a Jew, affirming His Jewish identity and role in Jewish history.

4 Sources"

"

Matthew 1

King James Version

1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;

3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;

4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;

5 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;

6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;

7 And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;

8 And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;

9 And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;

10 And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;

11 And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:

12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;

13 And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;

14 And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;

15 And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;

16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.

 

 

Edited August 16, 2025 by blackbird

[blackbird]

1 hour ago, SkyHigh said:

You do realize he was from what we now call Palestine right?

Here is an interesting article from a Jewish website on the name Palestine:

"

By James Sinkinson

Arabs living in what Jews call the Land of Israel, including Judea and Samaria, call themselves “Palestinians” after “Palestine,” the non-Jewish term for the region.

They did not do so until quite recently, but nonetheless, many Arabs in the region and their sympathizers have co-opted the words “Palestine” and “Palestinian” to give their national movement a sense of longevity, credibility and ownership.

The word “Palestine” is not Arab or Middle Eastern in origin. It dates back 1,900 years and is derived from a people who were not native to the region — the Philistines, a people from the Aegean Sea who were closely related to the ancient Greeks. They lived on the coast of what is now the Gaza Strip and Israel, but had disappeared by the 6th century BCE.

The name associated with them, however, did not die out. The Romans, in a fit of spite, reapplied the term “Palestine” to the Land of Israel centuries later, after they defeated a Judean uprising in 135 CE.

In effect, the Romans sought to erase the association between the Land of Israel and the Jewish people.

The “Palestine” moniker continued to be used long after the Roman Empire fell. When Muslim armies conquered the region in 629 CE, they Arabized the name to “Filastin.” This term cannot be found in the Quran, while the name “Israel” is mentioned several times.

The regional name “Palestine” endured. During the Middle Ages, it became common in early modern English and was employed by the Crusaders. But for nearly 2,000 years, it never referred to a country or a group of people.

In short, for most of recorded history, there were never any “Palestinians.”

After World War I, the modern contours of “Palestine” were established. The British Mandate for Palestine originally consisted of present-day Israel, Gaza, Judea and Samaria, and Jordan.

During the British Mandate period, the term “Palestinian” usually referred to Jews living in the Mandate, as well as their institutions.

Before Israel was founded, several prominent Jewish and Zionist organizations used the name “Palestine.” These included the Palestine Post newspaper and the Palestine Symphony Orchestra, which are now the Jerusalem Post and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.

At the time, many Arabs in British Mandatory Palestine considered themselves part of Greater Syria rather than “Palestinians.” In 1937, a local Arab leader told the Palestine Royal Commission, “There is no such country [as Palestine]. Palestine is a term the Zionists invented! Our country for centuries was part of Syria.”

Arab historian Philip Hitti echoed this sentiment shortly before Israel declared independence, saying, “There is no such thing as Palestine in history, absolutely not.”

The watershed moment for the “Palestinian” national movement came after the 1967 Six-Day War, when Israel won control of Judea and Samaria from Jordan. The words of author Walid Shoebat of Bethlehem sum up the profound shift in local Arabs’ identity: “On June 4, 1967, I was a Jordanian, and overnight I became a Palestinian.”

Since 1967, a whole national mythology has been created around the terms “Palestine” and “Palestinian.” For example, the Palestinian Arabs have claimed to be descendants of the Canaanites who preceded the ancient Israelites and Philistines in the Holy Land.

In 2018, Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas told the United Nations’ Security Council, “We are the descendants of the Canaanites that lived in the land 5,000 years ago and continued to live there to this day.”

But most Palestinians trace their origins to prominent tribes in Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Egypt. Yasser Arafat was born in Egypt. Even the Kanaan family in Nablus (Shechem) traces its ancestry to Syria. In any case, the Canaanites had disappeared more than 1,600 years before the Arabs first arrived in the Holy Land.

Preposterously, Palestinians have even asserted that Jesus was a Palestinian. In a 2013 Christmas message, Abbas called Jesus a “Palestinian messenger.” In 2019, Palestinian-American activist Linda Sarsour posted on Twitter, “Jesus was a Palestinian of Nazareth.”

We beg the pardon of Mr. Abbas and his fellow fantasists, but Jesus was a Jew from Judea, which was named Judea because it was and still is the homeland of the Jewish people.

While Arabs in the region are free to call themselves whatever they want, they are not free to hijack the 3,000-year history of the Holy Land for themselves. In the end, the name “Palestine” represents the Jews’ original dispossession of their homeland 1,900 years ago.     unquote

Here’s how the Palestinians got their name | The Jewish Star | www.thejewishstar.com

[blackbird]

"

Is Jewish genealogy passed down through the mother?

Yes, Jewish genealogy is traditionally passed down through the mother. According to Jewish law (halacha), a child is considered Jewish if they are born to a Jewish mother. This principle is rooted in the belief that the identity of the mother is always certain, unlike the father's lineage, which can be uncertain. The matrilineal descent has been a fundamental principle of Jewish identity since the Jewish people came into existence. 

 

JewishBoston+5   unquote

[herbie]

On 8/13/2025 at 2:35 PM, paxamericana said:

Okay well then who is considered subhumans then?

 

On 8/13/2025 at 2:49 PM, eyeball said:

Primates.

Those humans that can't make a logical argument so they just screech and thump their chest every post?😄

[WestCanMan]

Of course there are ancestors of the Philistine people in Gaza. No one said that they were exterminated, just defeated, like the Jews were.  

People who bring race into this are just bigots. In this day and age we're all mongrels from a racial purity POV. 

I think it's weird when the Persians say that they're Aryan or whatever. I'm not sure why that's supposed to be a good thing. 

Palestine is a label that was hung over the Jewish people by the Romans to slight them. It was done in the name of the Philistine people, who were always the enemies of the Jews. 

 

If you wanna know the basics of the Arab-Israeli war, know this: the muslims are 100% ok with the slaughter of millions of people, just as long as they're not muslims. The murder of any number of muslims, regardless how small, is an atrocity that can never be forgiven.

You can say what you want, but the bottom line is that islamic religious bigotry is the one and only cause of the Arab-Isreali conflict.

The muslims are all fine with Pakistan and their two genocides, both in the millions, but the killing of 400 muslims in 1948 still constitutes a valid reason for the killing of 10M Jews as far as they're concerned. 

[eyeball]

2 hours ago, WestCanMan said:

People who bring race into this are just bigots.

So what is it when someone comes along and brings species into it - who simply brings up the fact we're all just Earthlings?

Whatever it is, it's clear to me that it produces a discomfitting sense to everyone from 1st nations chiefs to nationalistic/political partisans, religious people and of course right-wingers.

I've yet to run into any kids who don't get it - they get it almost immediately.

[SkyHigh]

7 hours ago, blackbird said:

Here is an interesting article from a Jewish website on the name Palestine:

"

By James Sinkinson

Arabs living in what Jews call the Land of Israel, including Judea and Samaria, call themselves “Palestinians” after “Palestine,” the non-Jewish term for the region.

They did not do so until quite recently, but nonetheless, many Arabs in the region and their sympathizers have co-opted the words “Palestine” and “Palestinian” to give their national movement a sense of longevity, credibility and ownership.

The word “Palestine” is not Arab or Middle Eastern in origin. It dates back 1,900 years and is derived from a people who were not native to the region — the Philistines, a people from the Aegean Sea who were closely related to the ancient Greeks. They lived on the coast of what is now the Gaza Strip and Israel, but had disappeared by the 6th century BCE.

The name associated with them, however, did not die out. The Romans, in a fit of spite, reapplied the term “Palestine” to the Land of Israel centuries later, after they defeated a Judean uprising in 135 CE.

In effect, the Romans sought to erase the association between the Land of Israel and the Jewish people.

The “Palestine” moniker continued to be used long after the Roman Empire fell. When Muslim armies conquered the region in 629 CE, they Arabized the name to “Filastin.” This term cannot be found in the Quran, while the name “Israel” is mentioned several times.

The regional name “Palestine” endured. During the Middle Ages, it became common in early modern English and was employed by the Crusaders. But for nearly 2,000 years, it never referred to a country or a group of people.

In short, for most of recorded history, there were never any “Palestinians.”

After World War I, the modern contours of “Palestine” were established. The British Mandate for Palestine originally consisted of present-day Israel, Gaza, Judea and Samaria, and Jordan.

During the British Mandate period, the term “Palestinian” usually referred to Jews living in the Mandate, as well as their institutions.

Before Israel was founded, several prominent Jewish and Zionist organizations used the name “Palestine.” These included the Palestine Post newspaper and the Palestine Symphony Orchestra, which are now the Jerusalem Post and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.

At the time, many Arabs in British Mandatory Palestine considered themselves part of Greater Syria rather than “Palestinians.” In 1937, a local Arab leader told the Palestine Royal Commission, “There is no such country [as Palestine]. Palestine is a term the Zionists invented! Our country for centuries was part of Syria.”

Arab historian Philip Hitti echoed this sentiment shortly before Israel declared independence, saying, “There is no such thing as Palestine in history, absolutely not.”

The watershed moment for the “Palestinian” national movement came after the 1967 Six-Day War, when Israel won control of Judea and Samaria from Jordan. The words of author Walid Shoebat of Bethlehem sum up the profound shift in local Arabs’ identity: “On June 4, 1967, I was a Jordanian, and overnight I became a Palestinian.”

Since 1967, a whole national mythology has been created around the terms “Palestine” and “Palestinian.” For example, the Palestinian Arabs have claimed to be descendants of the Canaanites who preceded the ancient Israelites and Philistines in the Holy Land.

In 2018, Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas told the United Nations’ Security Council, “We are the descendants of the Canaanites that lived in the land 5,000 years ago and continued to live there to this day.”

But most Palestinians trace their origins to prominent tribes in Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Egypt. Yasser Arafat was born in Egypt. Even the Kanaan family in Nablus (Shechem) traces its ancestry to Syria. In any case, the Canaanites had disappeared more than 1,600 years before the Arabs first arrived in the Holy Land.

Preposterously, Palestinians have even asserted that Jesus was a Palestinian. In a 2013 Christmas message, Abbas called Jesus a “Palestinian messenger.” In 2019, Palestinian-American activist Linda Sarsour posted on Twitter, “Jesus was a Palestinian of Nazareth.”

We beg the pardon of Mr. Abbas and his fellow fantasists, but Jesus was a Jew from Judea, which was named Judea because it was and still is the homeland of the Jewish people.

While Arabs in the region are free to call themselves whatever they want, they are not free to hijack the 3,000-year history of the Holy Land for themselves. In the end, the name “Palestine” represents the Jews’ original dispossession of their homeland 1,900 years ago.     unquote

Here’s how the Palestinians got their name | The Jewish Star | www.thejewishstar.com

Jesus is from what we now call the West Bank aka Palestine.

You said people from Palestine descended from Philistines, ergo you're say Jesus was a Philistine.

 

[blackbird]

1 minute ago, SkyHigh said:

Jesus is from what we now call the West Bank aka Palestine.

You said people from Palestine descended from Philistines, ergo you're say Jesus was a Philistine.

 

You didn't read the article.  I am reposting it below.

I didn't say Jesus was a Philistine.  I said he is a Jew.  The areas such as the West Bank and Gaza are made up of many different ethnic groups.  Some may be descendants of Philistines, Canaanites, and ancient Hebrews the article says.  

Nobody believes Jesus was a Philistine and I never said that.  It is a proven fact he is a Jew.

Canaanites, Philistines, and ancient Hebrews

The ancestors of Gaza Palestinians can be traced back to various groups throughout history, including the Canaanites, Philistines, and ancient Hebrews. Genetic studies indicate that modern Palestinians share a common ancestry with other Levantine populations, suggesting a deep historical connection to the region. Some Palestinian families, particularly in the Hebron and Nablus regions, claim Jewish and Samaritan ancestry, while others trace their lineage to Ishmael, indicating a diverse heritage shaped by migrations and intermarriages over centuries. 

 

Wikipedia"

 

[eyeball]

17 minutes ago, SkyHigh said:

Jesus is from what we now call the West Bank aka Palestine.

You said people from Palestine descended from Philistines, ergo you're say Jesus was a Philistine.

It is fair to say Jesus is simply from Earth though right?

[SkyHigh]

23 hours ago, eyeball said:

It is fair to say Jesus is simply from Earth though right?

Definitely fair 

Im simply commenting on the irony of someone talking smack about a people that happens to include the person he calls his Savior.