Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines,.... The time appointed by the Lord for their destruction, which should be universal:[and] to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth; these were cities in Phoenicia, which bordered on the country of the Philistines, who were their auxiliaries in time of distress; but now, being wasted themselves, could give them no help when Nebuchadnezzar attacked them; as he did Tyre particularly, which he besieged thirteen years, and at last destroyed it, and Zidon with it:for the Lord will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor; these last are not put by way of apposition, as if they were the same with the Philistines, though they were near of kin to them, coming from Casluhim; who were the posterity of Mizraim, as well as Caphtorim, Ge 10:13; indeed the Philistines are said to be brought from Caphtor, Am 9:7; being very probably taken captive by them, but rescued from them; and now in confederacy with them, and like to share the same fate as they.
The Targum renders it,"the remnant of the island of the Cappadocians;''and so the Vulgate Latin version. Some think the Colchi, others that the Cretians, are meant. R. Saadiah by Caphtor understands Damiata, a city in Egypt; which is the same with Pelusium or Sin, the strength of Egypt, Eze 30:15; and it is usual with the Jews to call this place Caphutkia, the same with Caphtor, they say; and, in Arabic, Damiata.
Misn. Cetubot, c. 13. sect. 11. & Maimon.