Introduction:
Gazah, commonly known as Gaza, is a significant city mentioned in the Bible, located in the southwestern part of ancient Canaan. It is one of the five principal cities of the Philistines and holds considerable historical and theological importance in biblical narratives.

Biblical References:
Gaza is first mentioned in the context of the conquests of Joshua. In Joshua 10:41 , it is noted that Joshua conquered the land "from Kadesh-barnea to Gaza and all the country of Goshen as far as Gibeon." This indicates Gaza's geographical significance as a boundary marker in the southern part of the Promised Land.

In Judges 16, Gaza is prominently featured in the account of Samson. Samson, a judge of Israel, visits Gaza and encounters a harlot there. The Philistines plot to kill him, but he escapes by tearing out the city gates and carrying them to the top of a hill (Judges 16:1-3). This act demonstrates both Samson's physical strength and the strategic importance of Gaza as a fortified city.

Gaza is also mentioned in the context of the prophetic judgments against the Philistines. In Amos 1:6-7 , the Lord declares judgment on Gaza for its transgressions, specifically for exiling entire communities and delivering them to Edom. This prophecy underscores the city's role in regional conflicts and its moral accountability before God.

Historical and Geographical Context:
Gaza was strategically located on the coastal route known as the "Way of the Sea" (Via Maris), which connected Egypt with the northern empires of Assyria and Babylon. This made it a vital trade and military hub throughout ancient history. The city's location contributed to its frequent mention in biblical narratives, as it was often a point of contention between Israel and the Philistines.

Cultural and Theological Significance:
As a Philistine city, Gaza represents the persistent threat and opposition faced by the Israelites from their neighbors. The Philistines, known for their advanced iron technology and military prowess, were a formidable enemy. Gaza's repeated mention in the context of conflict highlights the ongoing struggle between the Israelites and the Philistines for control of the land.

Theologically, Gaza serves as a symbol of God's sovereignty and justice. The prophetic declarations against Gaza and the Philistines illustrate the biblical theme of divine retribution against nations that oppose God's people and violate His moral order. The narratives involving Gaza also emphasize the importance of faithfulness and reliance on God's strength, as seen in the account of Samson.

Conclusion:
Gaza's role in biblical history is multifaceted, encompassing themes of conflict, judgment, and divine intervention. Its strategic location and cultural significance make it a key city in understanding the broader narrative of Israel's history and God's dealings with the nations surrounding His chosen people.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 - 6k1491. gazah -- to cut
... 1490, 1491. gazah. 1492 . to cut. Transliteration: gazah Phonetic Spelling:
(gaw-zaw') Short Definition: took. Word Origin a prim. ... 1490, 1491. gazah. 1492 ...
/hebrew/1491.htm - 5k

1496. gazith -- a cutting, hewing
... Word Origin from gazah Definition a cutting, hewing NASB Word Usage cut (1), cut
stone (2), cut stones (1), hewn (1), hewn stone (1), smooth stones (1), stone ...
/hebrew/1496.htm - 6k

Gazah (16 Occurrences)
...Gazah (16 Occurrences). ... Joshua 10:41 And Joshua smote them from Kadesh-barnea even
to Gazah, and all the country of Goshen, even to Gibeon; (DBY). ...
/g/gazah.htm - 11k

Avvites (3 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 2:23 And the Avvites who dwelt in the hamlets as far as Gazah the Caphtorim,
who came out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelt in their stead ...
/a/avvites.htm - 7k

Dependent (35 Occurrences)
... Joshua 15:47 Ashdod, its dependent villages and its hamlets; Gazah, its dependent
villages and its hamlets, as far as the torrent of Egypt, and the great sea ...
/d/dependent.htm - 17k

Hamlets (38 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Deuteronomy 2:23 And the Avvites who dwelt in the hamlets as far as Gazah
the Caphtorim, who came out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelt in their stead ...
/h/hamlets.htm - 16k

Gaza (22 Occurrences)

/g/gaza.htm - 19k

Lesha (1 Occurrence)
... Genesis 10:19 And the border of the Canaanite was from Sidon, as one goes to Gerar,
up to Gazah; as one goes to Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, up ...
/l/lesha.htm - 6k

Gazara

/g/gazara.htm - 7k

Watchmen's (4 Occurrences)
... city. (DBY). 2 Kings 18:8 He smote the Philistines unto Gazah and its borders,
from the watchmen's tower to the fortified city. (DBY). ...
/w/watchmen's.htm - 7k

Floweth (16 Occurrences)
... floweth before Egypt, as far as the borders of Ekron northward, and which is counted
to the Canaanite; five lordships of the Philistines: of Gazah, and of ...
/f/floweth.htm - 11k

Torrent (49 Occurrences)
... Joshua 15:47 Ashdod, its dependent villages and its hamlets; Gazah, its dependent
villages and its hamlets, as far as the torrent of Egypt, and the great sea ...
/t/torrent.htm - 22k

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