Gaza

Gaza is one of the five principal cities of the Philistines, located in the southwestern part of ancient Canaan, near the Mediterranean coast. It is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a significant Philistine city, known for its strategic location and its role in various biblical narratives.

In the Book of Judges, Gaza is notably associated with the account of Samson. Samson, a judge of Israel, is said to have visited Gaza, where he encountered a harlot and later demonstrated his immense strength by tearing off the city gates and carrying them to the top of a hill (Judges 16:1-3). This act symbolized his defiance of the Philistines and his God-given strength.

Gaza's significance is further highlighted in the account of Samson's final act. After being betrayed by Delilah and captured by the Philistines, Samson was brought to Gaza, where he was imprisoned and blinded. In a final act of strength, Samson brought down the temple of Dagon, killing many Philistines along with himself (Judges 16:21-30).

The city is also mentioned in the prophetic literature. The prophet Amos prophesied against Gaza, declaring God's judgment upon the city for its transgressions, particularly for its role in the slave trade (Amos 1:6-7). Similarly, the prophet Zephaniah foretold the desolation of Gaza as part of God's judgment against the Philistine cities (Zephaniah 2:4).

In the New Testament, Gaza is mentioned in the account of Philip the Evangelist. Philip was directed by an angel of the Lord to go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza, where he encountered the Ethiopian eunuch and shared the Gospel with him (Acts 8:26-40).

Ashkelon

Ashkelon is another of the five major Philistine cities, located along the Mediterranean coast, north of Gaza. Like Gaza, Ashkelon played a significant role in the history and culture of the Philistines and is frequently mentioned in the biblical narrative.

The city is first mentioned in the context of the conquest of Canaan. Although the Israelites were commanded to drive out the inhabitants of the land, Ashkelon remained under Philistine control for much of the biblical period. The city is noted for its strength and fortifications, making it a formidable opponent for the Israelites.

In the Book of Judges, Ashkelon is mentioned in the context of Samson's exploits. After solving a riddle posed to the Philistines, Samson went down to Ashkelon and struck down thirty men, taking their garments to pay off his wager (Judges 14:19). This act further fueled the animosity between Samson and the Philistines.

The prophets also spoke against Ashkelon, pronouncing divine judgment upon the city. Jeremiah prophesied that Ashkelon would be cut off and that its inhabitants would be silenced (Jeremiah 47:5). Similarly, Zephaniah declared that Ashkelon would become desolate, a place for shepherds and sheep pens (Zephaniah 2:4-7).

In the broader biblical narrative, both Gaza and Ashkelon represent the persistent opposition faced by the Israelites from the Philistines. These cities symbolize the challenges and conflicts that arose as the Israelites sought to establish themselves in the Promised Land. Despite their strength and influence, the prophetic declarations against Gaza and Ashkelon underscore the ultimate sovereignty of God over the nations and His judgment against those who oppose His people.