This dissertation investigates the literary portrayals and rhetorical uses of the Philistines in the book of Samuel. With a few notable exceptions, recent biblical scholarship has given little attention to the Philistines. Meanwhile, the Philistines have been a constant interest among Near Eastern archaeologists and historians. Drawing on a wealth of data recovered from excavations of Philistine sites, archaeologists have produced numerous studies on the socio-political relationship between Israelites and Philistines. I offer this literary study of the Philistines in 1-2 Samuel as a corrective step toward a more holistic investigation of their significance vis-a-vis ancient Israel.

Following an introduction in Chapter 1, I proceed to examine the characterizations and functions of the Philistines in the major textual complexes spanning 1 Sam 4-2 Sam 5. Chapter 2 investigates the Ark Narrative (1 Sam 4:1b-7:1), Chapter 3 studies the Saulide texts in 1 Sam 9-14, Chapters 4-5 explore the traditions of David's rise (roughly 1 Sam 16-2 Sam 5), and Chapter 6 considers Samuel's victory over the Philistines in 1 Sam 7:2-17. My analysis of the texts employs a two-step methodology. The first task is to pursue a thorough source- and redaction-critical analysis of the text under investigation. Then, I offer a close reading of the major redactional horizons, focusing on the portrayal and use of the Philistines at each stage.

I show that the texts of 1-2 Samuel use the Philistines primarily for theological and political purposes, not for the construction of an Israelite ethnic identity as some archaeological analyses have averred (e.g., Faust 2006a). Theologically, the Philistines are used to underscore Yahweh's sovereignty and holiness. The Ark Narrative, especially, emphasizes that Israelites and Philistines alike are subject to Yahweh's dominion. Politically, the Philistines are used to legitimate and/or delegitimate forms of governance and individual leaders. As 1-2 Samuel narrates Israel's transition from theocracy to kingship, each leader -- Samuel, Saul, and David -- is evaluated on the basis of how capably he addresses the Philistine problem.