Overview:
Gazzah, more 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, a people often in conflict with the Israelites. The city is strategically positioned near the Mediterranean Sea, making it a vital trade and military hub throughout biblical history.

Biblical References:
Gazzah 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 the extent of Israelite influence during the conquest of Canaan.

In Judges 16, Gazzah is famously associated with the account of Samson. Samson, a judge of Israel, visits Gaza and is ensnared by the Philistines. Judges 16:1 states, "One day Samson went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute and went in to spend the night with her." Later, in Judges 16:21 , after being betrayed by Delilah, Samson is captured by the Philistines in Gaza, where they "gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza, binding him with bronze shackles."

Historical and Cultural Context:
Gazzah was a Philistine stronghold, and its inhabitants were known for their advanced iron weaponry and formidable military presence. The Philistines were of Aegean origin, and their culture was distinct from that of the Israelites. The city’s location made it a focal point for trade routes between Egypt and the Levant, contributing to its wealth and strategic importance.

Prophetic Significance:
The prophets also mention Gazzah in their oracles against the Philistines. In Amos 1:6-7 , the Lord declares judgment against Gaza: "For three transgressions of Gaza, even for four, I will not revoke My wrath, because they exiled a whole community, handing them over to Edom. So I will send fire upon the walls of Gaza, to consume its citadels." This prophecy underscores the city’s role in the regional conflicts and its eventual downfall as a result of divine judgment.

New Testament Context:
In the New Testament, Gaza is mentioned in the account of Philip the Evangelist. Acts 8:26 records an angel of the Lord instructing Philip to go "south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." It is on this road that Philip encounters the Ethiopian eunuch, leading to a significant moment of evangelism and conversion.

Archaeological Insights:
Modern archaeological excavations have uncovered remnants of ancient Gaza, revealing its historical significance and the cultural interchanges that occurred there. The city's ruins provide insight into the Philistine civilization and its interactions with neighboring peoples, including the Israelites.

Theological Implications:
Gazzah serves as a symbol of the ongoing struggle between the Israelites and the Philistines, representing the broader conflict between the people of God and the surrounding pagan nations. The narratives involving Gaza highlight themes of divine justice, human frailty, and the ultimate sovereignty of God over the nations.Gazzah (1 Occurrence)

Jeremiah 25:20
And all the mixed people, And all the kings of the land of Uz, And all the kings of the land of the Philistines, And Ashkelon, and Gazzah, and Ekron, And the remnant of Ashdod,
(YLT)

Gazzah (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Gazzah (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 25:20 And all
the mixed people, And all the kings of the land of Uz, And ...
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Gazites (2 Occurrences)

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Gazzam (2 Occurrences)

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Ash'kelon (10 Occurrences)
... 25:20 And all the mixed people, And all the kings of the land of Uz, And all the
kings of the land of the Philistines, And Ashkelon, and Gazzah, and Ekron, And ...
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