The term "Gazathites" refers to the inhabitants of Gaza, one of the five principal cities of the Philistines, located in the southwestern part of ancient Canaan, near the Mediterranean coast. Gaza is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as a significant Philistine city, known for its strategic location and its role in the conflicts between the Philistines and the Israelites.

Biblical References:

1. Judges 16:1-3 : The city of Gaza is notably mentioned in the account of Samson, the judge of Israel. Samson visited Gaza, where he encountered a prostitute. The Gazathites plotted to kill him, but Samson escaped by uprooting the city gate and carrying it to the top of a hill. This event highlights the ongoing tension and hostilities between the Israelites and the Philistines. The passage states: "One day Samson went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute and went in to spend the night with her. When the Gazathites were told, 'Samson is here,' they surrounded the place and lay in wait for him all night at the city gate. They kept quiet all night, saying, 'Let us wait until dawn; then we will kill him.' But Samson lay there only until the middle of the night. Then he got up and took hold of the doors of the city gate, along with the two gateposts, and pulled them out, bar and all. He put them on his shoulders and carried them to the top of the hill that faces Hebron."

2. Joshua 13:3 : Gaza is listed among the territories that remained to be conquered by the Israelites during the time of Joshua. The verse underscores the city's importance and the challenge it posed to the Israelites: "from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron to the north, all of it counted as Canaanite; the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron; the Avvites."

3. 1 Samuel 6:17 : Gaza is mentioned as one of the five cities that sent golden tumors as a guilt offering to the LORD after the Philistines returned the Ark of the Covenant to Israel. This act was an acknowledgment of the divine power of the God of Israel: "As a guilt offering to the LORD, these are the gold tumors that the Philistines returned: one each for Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron."

Historical and Cultural Context:

Gaza was a major Philistine city, known for its trade and military significance. The Philistines were a seafaring people, likely of Aegean origin, who settled along the coastal regions of Canaan. They were often in conflict with the Israelites, as seen in the narratives of Samson, Saul, and David. The Gazathites, as inhabitants of Gaza, were part of this larger Philistine confederation.

The city of Gaza was strategically important due to its location on the Via Maris, an ancient trade route connecting Egypt with the northern empires of Mesopotamia and Anatolia. This made Gaza a hub of commerce and military activity, contributing to its wealth and influence in the region.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the interactions between the Israelites and the Gazathites (and the Philistines in general) serve as a backdrop for demonstrating God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant people. Despite the Philistines' military prowess and the Israelites' frequent disobedience, God repeatedly delivered Israel from their enemies, showcasing His power and commitment to His promises.

The narratives involving Gaza and its inhabitants also highlight themes of judgment and redemption. The Philistines' eventual downfall and the Israelites' victories serve as reminders of the consequences of opposing God's will and the blessings of aligning with His purposes.GAZATHITES

ga'-zath-its (`azzathim):

The inhabitants of GAZA (which see) (Joshua 13:3 the King James Version), rendered "Gazites" (Judges 16:2).

Gazathites (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia GAZATHITES. ga'-zath-its (`azzathim ... 16:2).
Multi-Version Concordance Gazathites (2 Occurrences). Joshua 13 ...
/g/gazathites.htm - 7k

Gazathite (1 Occurrence)
... which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted
to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the ...
/g/gazathite.htm - 6k

Gaze (46 Occurrences)

/g/gaze.htm - 19k

Eshkalon (1 Occurrence)
... which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted
to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the ...
/e/eshkalon.htm - 6k

Eshkalonites (1 Occurrence)
... which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted
to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the ...
/e/eshkalonites.htm - 6k

Eshkalonite (1 Occurrence)
... which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted
to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the ...
/e/eshkalonite.htm - 7k

Avites (2 Occurrences)
... which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted
to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the ...
/a/avites.htm - 7k

Ashdothites (1 Occurrence)
... which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted
to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the ...
/a/ashdothites.htm - 6k

Ashdothite (1 Occurrence)
... which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted
to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the ...
/a/ashdothite.htm - 6k

Sihor (3 Occurrences)
... which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted
to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the ...
/s/sihor.htm - 8k

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