Topical Bible: Gaza: Also Called Azzah: A City of the Avim and Anakim

◄ Gaza: Also Called Azzah: A City of the Avim and Anakim ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Overview:
Gaza, also known as Azzah, 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 has a rich history intertwined with the narratives of the Israelites. The city is situated near the Mediterranean coast and has been a strategic location due to its position on the trade routes between Egypt and the Levant.

Historical Background:
Gaza is first mentioned in the context of the Avim and Anakim, ancient peoples who inhabited the region before the arrival of the Philistines. The Avim were a group of people who lived in villages as far as Gaza, as noted in Deuteronomy 2:23: "As for the Avvites who lived in villages as far as Gaza, the Caphtorites, who came from Crete, destroyed them and settled in their place."

The Anakim were a race of giants, descendants of Anak, known for their formidable stature and strength. Joshua 11:22 states, "No Anakim were left in the land of the Israelites; only in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod did any survive."

Philistine Stronghold:
Gaza became one of the five city-states of the Philistines, a people known for their conflicts with the Israelites. The Philistines were a seafaring people who settled along the coastal regions of Canaan. Gaza's role as a Philistine stronghold is evident in several biblical accounts, particularly during the period of the Judges.

Samson and Gaza:
One of the most notable biblical events associated with Gaza is the account of Samson, a judge of Israel known for his supernatural strength. In Judges 16, Samson visits Gaza and is ensnared by the Philistines. Despite being captured, Samson's final act of strength leads to the destruction of the Philistine temple, killing many of their leaders. Judges 16:21-30 recounts this dramatic event, highlighting Gaza's significance as a center of Philistine power.

Prophetic References:
Gaza is mentioned in several prophetic books of the Bible, often as a symbol of judgment against the Philistines. The prophets Amos, Zephaniah, and Zechariah all include Gaza in their oracles against the Philistine cities. For instance, Amos 1:6-7 declares, "This is what the LORD says: 'For three transgressions of Gaza, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they exiled a whole population, delivering them up to Edom. So I will send fire upon the walls of Gaza, to consume its citadels.'"

New Testament Context:
In the New Testament, Gaza is mentioned in the account of Philip the Evangelist. Acts 8:26 describes an angel of the Lord instructing Philip to go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza, where he encounters the Ethiopian eunuch and shares the gospel with him.

Modern Relevance:
Today, Gaza remains a region of geopolitical significance, reflecting its historical role as a crossroads of cultures and conflicts. Its biblical heritage continues to be a point of interest for scholars and believers alike, as it provides insight into the ancient world and the unfolding narrative of God's people.

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Deuteronomy 2:23
And the Avims which dwelled in Hazerim, even to Azzah, the Caphtorims, which came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelled in their stead.)
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Joshua 11:22
There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained.
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