LORDS OF THE PHILISTINES. The chieftains or ‘tyrants’ of the five Philistine cities, Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath. Wherever they are mentioned ( Joshua 13:3 , Judges 3:3; Judges 16:5; Judges 16:8; Judges 16:18; Judges 16:27; Jdg 16:30 , 1 Samuel 5:8; 1 Samuel 5:11; 1Sa 6:4; 1 Samuel 6:12; 1 Samuel 6:16; 1Sa 6:18; 1 Samuel 7:7; 1 Samuel 29:2; 1Sa 29:8; 1 Samuel 29:7 , 1 Chronicles 12:19 ) the word translated ‘lord’ is a peculiar one, being identical with the Heb. word for ‘axle.’ Once ( 1 Samuel 18:30 ) the Heb. word for ‘princes’ is applied to them. Probably the peculiar word is a native Philistine title. Their functions, so far as can be gathered from the OT, were the same as those of petty kings.
George A. Barton.