LORDS OF THE PHILISTINES

(ceren, same as Hebrew word for "axle," probably a native designation): These "lords" (Joshua 13:3; Judges 3:3; 16:5, etc.; 1 Samuel 5:8,11, etc.), elsewhere called "princes" (sar, 1 Samuel 18:30; 29:3-4,9), were the petty rulers or kings of the 5 Philistine cities, Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, Gath.

See PHILISTINES .

From the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Edited by James Orr, published in 1939 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.