The identity of the people of Israel and the people of Philistine is embedded in their identities and their cities. There is a lot of semblance between the two communities in respect of their living spaces which is reflected in their way of life and culture. Adherence to the traditions and allegiance customs, groupings of the cities, and religious practices based on the topographical landscape are part of the similarities shared between the two communities. How the two communities’ cultures and ways of life are reflected in their urban living spaces forms the basis of the discussion of this paper.
The Israelites and the Philistines strictly adhere to their cities, norms, and traditions. This attribute reflects the readings of the book of Judges when the master refused to spend a rest day at the camp of the Jebusites, terming it as a city of foreigners (NIV Bible, Judges. 19.11). Instead, he is comfortable spending his night with a Benjamite, one of the young tribes of Israel from which he also originates. Also, in the video TQ clip (4; 55) onwards, it is explained that even after an amalgamation, there is still a clear distinction between the two groups; the Palestinians and the Israelites. After interaction of over 3500 years, the Palestinians, a subgroup of the Philistines, occupy the central hill while the Israelites occupy the seashore plains. This demonstration clearly outlines the allegiance of the two groups of people to their cities which is inarguable without compromise.
Another cultural aspect of the cities is a seamless subdivision of people who understand each other. As such, there is a common understanding between such people. For instance, the PhilistinesPhilistines consisted of five cities: Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath. People from these areas commonly understand doing things that unite them. On the other hand, the land of Israel constitutes cities of its own, including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and many others. For this reason, a person from Ephraim is at peace with following a route found in Israel through Gibeah, Ramah, and Benjamin.
The religious practices of the two cultural cities are fundamental and linked to aspects of the physical features of the landscape. The religious houses of worship are built concerning the topography. For instance, Solomon built a temple to Yehu on the hill’s peak north of the City (Gagarin and Elaine 113). In other words, religious practices are relevant to the topography of their landscape. On the other hand, at TQ clip (2; 40), the Philistine temple is built with an orientation to the sea because they believe they came from the West, which is by the seaside. The relevance of the religious practices to the topography of their landscapes is inevitable for these two communities.
In conclusion, the Philistines and Israelites have various customs in common. These customs are reflected in the manner of their urban living. Firstly, they pay homage and allegiance to their cultures and norms; neither of the two communities deviates from their customs. Secondly, they are communities that are formulated under cities. As such, each community is comfortable interacting with members of its city. Lastly, their religious practices are bound and defined by the topography of their landscapes. Unavoidably, the urban living of the two communities reflects their way of life and culture.
Works Cited
Gagarin, Michael, and Elaine Fantham ed. The Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Greece and Rome. Vol. 4. Oxford University Press on Demand, 2010.
New International Version. Biblica, www.biblica.com/bible/niv/judges19/11/. Accessed November 28, 2020.
Tel Qasila (Tel Aviv Israel). YouTube. Retrieved September 28, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU2j5KfrUvE
write