Topical Bible: Gaza or Azzah

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Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction:
Gaza, also known as Azzah in Hebrew, is one of the ancient Philistine cities mentioned frequently in the Bible. It is located on the southwestern coast of the land of Canaan, near the Mediterranean Sea. Gaza was a significant city due to its strategic position on the trade routes between Egypt and the Levant.

Biblical References:
Gaza is first mentioned in the context of the conquests of the Israelites. In the Book of Joshua, it is listed among the territories that were not fully conquered by the Israelites: "Gaza, Ashdod, and Ekron—each city with its territory" (Joshua 13:3). Despite its initial resistance, Gaza was part of the land promised to the Israelites.

The city is perhaps most famously associated with the account of Samson, the judge of Israel. In Judges 16, Samson visits Gaza, where he is betrayed by Delilah and captured by the Philistines. The narrative highlights Gaza as a center of Philistine power and culture. Samson's final act of strength, where he brings down the temple of Dagon, occurs in Gaza, resulting in his death and the death of many Philistines (Judges 16:21-30).

Historical and Cultural Context:
Gaza was one of the five principal cities of the Philistines, known as the Philistine Pentapolis, which also included Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath. The Philistines were a seafaring people, likely of Aegean origin, who settled along the coastal regions of Canaan. Gaza's location made it a vital hub for commerce and military operations.

Throughout its history, Gaza was a contested city, changing hands between various empires, including the Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, and eventually the Persians. Its strategic importance is underscored by its frequent mention in ancient records outside the Bible.

Prophetic Significance:
The prophets of the Old Testament also spoke of Gaza. In Amos 1:6-7 , the prophet Amos pronounces judgment against Gaza for its transgressions, specifically for exiling entire communities and delivering them to Edom. Similarly, Zephaniah prophesies the desolation of Gaza: "Gaza will be abandoned, and Ashkelon left in ruins" (Zephaniah 2:4). These prophecies reflect the moral and spiritual decline of the Philistine cities and their eventual downfall.

New Testament References:
In the New Testament, Gaza is mentioned in the account of Philip the Evangelist. In Acts 8:26 , an angel of the Lord instructs Philip to go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza. It is on this road that Philip encounters the Ethiopian eunuch, leading to the eunuch's conversion and baptism. This event underscores the spread of the Gospel beyond the Jewish community and into the Gentile world.

Archaeological Insights:
Modern archaeological excavations have uncovered significant remains of ancient Gaza, including fortifications, temples, and artifacts that provide insight into its role as a major Philistine city. These findings corroborate the biblical accounts of Gaza's prominence and its interactions with neighboring cultures and peoples.

Conclusion:
Gaza's biblical narrative is one of conflict, prophecy, and redemption. As a city that stood at the crossroads of ancient civilizations, it played a pivotal role in the history of Israel and the broader Near Eastern world. Its mention in both the Old and New Testaments highlights its enduring significance in the biblical narrative.

ATS Bible Dictionary

Gaza or Azzah

Now Ghuzzeh, an ancient city in the southwest corner of Canaan, Genesis 10:19, belonging to the Avim, De 2:23, and afterwards to the Philistines. Joshua assigned it to the tribe of Judah, but did not conquer it, Joshua 10:41 11:21,22 13:3:15:47. Judah seems to have held possession of it for a while; but in the time of the judges it was independent, and one of the five chief cities of the Philistines, Jude 1:18 3:3:13:1:16:1-31. Samson carried away its gates, and afterwards perished under the ruins of its vast temple. The ark of God was there in the days of Eli, 1 Samuel 6:1-21. It yielded allegiance to David and Solomon, recovered its liberty in the reigns of Jotham and Ahaz, but was reconquered by Hezekiah, 2 Kings 18:8. At subsequent periods it was occupied by Chaldeans, Persians, and Egyptians, Jeremiah 47:1. About 96 B. C. the Jewish king Alexander Jannaeus captured and destroyed it. The Roman general Gabinius rebuilt it; and not long after the ascension of the Savior, a Christian church was planted there to struggle with the prevailing idolatry. In A. D. 634 it came under the Mohammedan yoke; and in the era of the Crusades had fallen into ruins. It was partially rebuilt and fortified, and is now a city of some 15,000 inhabitants. The few remains of the old city cover a large but low hill, two or three miles from the sea, once so strongly fortified as to withstand Alexander the Great for five months. The modern city lies more in the plain, which is exceedingly fertile, and abounds in gardens, date-trees, and olive-trees. There was a landing-place and "port" for ancient Gaza, but no harbor worthy of the name. It was often referred to by the prophets, Jeremiah 25:20 47:5 Am 1:6,7 Zephaniah 2:4 Zechariah 9:5. The southern route form Jerusalem to Gaza, memorable in the history of the Ethiopian eunuch, is called "desert" in Acts 8:26, as passing through a region then destitute of villages.

Greek

1048. Gaza -- Gaza, a Philistine city
... Gaza. Of Hebrew origin (Azzah); Gazah (ie Azzah), a place in Palestine -- Gaza.
see HEBREW Azzah. (gazan) -- 1 Occurrence. 1047, 1048. Gaza. 1049 . ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1048.htm - 6k

Strong's Hebrew

5804. Azzah -- a Philistine city
... Azzah, Gaza Feminine of az; strong; Azzah, a place in Palestine -- Azzah, Gaza.
see HEBREW az. 5803, 5804. Azzah. 5804a . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/5804.htm - 5k

5804a. Azzah -- a Philistine city
... a Philistine city. Transliteration: Azzah Short Definition: Gaza. Word Origin of
uncertain derivation Definition a Philistine city NASB Word Usage Gaza (20). ...
/hebrew/5804a.htm - 5k

5841. Azzathi -- inhab. of Gaza
... Definition: Gazite. Word Origin from Azzah Definition inhab. of Gaza NASB Word
Usage Gazite (1), Gazites (1). Gazathite, Gazite. Patrial ...
/hebrew/5841.htm - 6k