THE FULL ARTICLE — from the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915), general editor James Orr — public domain, printed whole.

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

See PHILISTINES.