Final answer:
The children of Israel engaged in battles, smiting their enemies and destroying their towns, and were also involved in military captures upon their return from pursuing the Philistines.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the children of Israel returned from pursuing the Philistines, they engaged in various actions depending on the specific narrative being referenced. In the biblical book of Judges, they engaged in battles, smiting their enemies and destroying their towns. In the book of Samuel, they were instructed to smite the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead and were also involved in the capture of young virgins. Overall, the actions of the children of Israel upon their return from pursuing the Philistines involved military engagements and the establishment of their own kingdom to defend themselves.