The Philistines serve as major foils of the Israelites in the early books of the Bible, including Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings. “Philistine” has come down to us in English as a slur for someone who is uncouth and hostile to culture and the arts. Two Philistine characters Goliath and Delilah of “David & Goliath” and “Samson & Delilah” fame continue to be household names. What can we know about the historical Philistines? John Hamer of Toronto Centre Place will look at the Biblical depiction of the Philistines and will contrast that portrayal with information that can be gleaned from the rest of the historical and archeological record.