Topical Bible: Gaza: Also Called Azzah: A City of the Philistines

◄ Gaza: Also Called Azzah: A City of the Philistines ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Gaza, also known as Azzah, is one of the five principal cities of the Philistines, frequently mentioned in the Bible. It is located in the southwestern part of ancient Canaan, near the Mediterranean coast, and served as a significant stronghold and trade center for the Philistines.

Biblical References and Historical Significance

Gaza is first mentioned in the context of the conquests of Joshua. Although the Israelites were commanded to conquer the land, Gaza remained under Philistine control for a significant period. In Joshua 13:3, it is listed among the territories that were yet to be possessed: "from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron northward, all of it counted as Canaanite; the five rulers of the Philistines—the Gazites, the Ashdodites, the Ashkelonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites."

The city is perhaps most famously associated with the account of Samson, the Israelite judge known for his extraordinary strength. In Judges 16, Samson visits Gaza, where he is eventually captured by the Philistines after being betrayed by Delilah. The Philistines gouge out his eyes and imprison him, but during a feast in the temple of Dagon, Samson pulls down the pillars, killing himself and many Philistines. Judges 16:21-30 recounts this dramatic event, highlighting Gaza's role as a center of Philistine power and idolatry.

Gaza's strategic location made it a target for various conquests. In the time of King David, the city was subdued as part of his military campaigns against the Philistines. 1 Chronicles 18:1 states, "Some time later, David defeated the Philistines, subdued them, and took Gath and its villages from the hand of the Philistines."

Prophetic Denunciations

The prophets of Israel also spoke against Gaza, pronouncing divine judgment upon it. In Amos 1:6-7, the prophet 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 community, handing them over to Edom. So I will send fire upon the walls of Gaza, to consume its citadels.'" Similarly, Zephaniah 2:4 prophesies, "For Gaza will be abandoned, and Ashkelon will lie in ruins. At midday Ashdod will be deserted, and Ekron will be uprooted."

New Testament Context

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.

Cultural and Theological Insights

Gaza's role in biblical history underscores the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines, representing the struggle between the people of God and the surrounding pagan nations. The city's repeated mention in prophetic literature highlights the theme of divine justice and the consequences of opposing God's covenant people.

Throughout the biblical narrative, Gaza serves as a symbol of both human strength and divine intervention. Its accounts remind believers of the sovereignty of God over nations and the ultimate triumph of His purposes, even amidst human rebellion and idolatry.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 13:3
From Sihor, which is before Egypt, even to the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites:
Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 25:20
And all the mingled people, and all the kings of the land of Uz, and all the kings of the land of the Philistines, and Ashkelon, and Azzah, and Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod,
Nave's Topical Index