The Philistines (2 Nephi 12:6) occupied the territory which was known as "the land of the Philistines" ('eres p listim) or Philistia (p leset). It is from these that the modern name "Palestine" derives.
When the Israelites left Egypt the Philistines were extensively settled along the coastal strip between Egypt and Gaza, and the Israelites were obliged to detour inland to avoid "the way of the land of the Philistines" (Exodus 13:17).
There were five main cities of the Philistines: Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron and Gath (Joshua 13:2-3). From the time of Joshua and for many generations, the Philistines were used by God to chastise the Israelites (Judges 3:2-3). The Philistines continued to cause trouble throughout the Monarchy and were still aggressive in the time of Ahaz (Isaiah 9:8-12). [Tyndale House, The Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Vol. 3, pp. 1218-1222] [See 2 Nephi 19:12; 21:14]
2 Nephi 12:6 Philistines ([Illustration]): The cities of the Philistines and their neighbours. [Tyndale House, The Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Vol. 3, pp. 1219]
2 Nephi 12:10 Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust ([Illustration]): Cave north of Qumran. Hundreds of natural caves exist int he central hill country of Judea and Samaria as well as in the deserts and fault escarpment overlooking the Dead Sea region. In ancient times, caves served as hiding places, dwellings, and tombs. Photograph by Carrilyn Clarkson. [Donald W. Parry, Visualizing Isaiah, p. 119]