Topical Bible: Gaza: Also Called Azzah: A Temple of Dagon, Situated At

◄ Gaza: Also Called Azzah: A Temple of Dagon, Situated At ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Gaza, also known as Azzah, is one of the five principal cities of the Philistines, frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. It is located in the southwestern part of ancient Canaan, near the Mediterranean coast. The city is historically significant for its strategic position on the trade route between Egypt and the Levant, making it a focal point of commerce and military activity.

Biblical References and Historical Context

Gaza is first mentioned in the Bible 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 land of Goshen as far as Gibeon." Despite this conquest, the Israelites did not fully expel the Philistines from Gaza, as indicated in Judges 1:18-19 : "And Judah also captured Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron—each with its territory. The LORD was with Judah, enabling them to take possession of the hill country, but they could not drive out the people of the plains because they had chariots of iron."

Gaza's significance is further highlighted in the narrative of Samson, a judge of Israel, who had several encounters with the Philistines in this city. Judges 16:1-3 recounts how Samson visited a prostitute in Gaza and subsequently escaped an ambush by carrying the city gates to the top of a hill. Later, in Judges 16:21-30 , Samson is captured by the Philistines in Gaza, blinded, and forced to grind grain in prison. His final act of strength occurs in Gaza when he pulls down the temple of Dagon, killing himself and many Philistines: "Then Samson called out to the LORD, 'O Lord GOD, please remember me. Strengthen me, O God, just once more, so that with one act of vengeance I may pay back the Philistines for my two eyes.'"

A Temple of Dagon

The temple of Dagon in Gaza is a significant location in the account of Samson. Dagon was a major deity of the Philistines, often associated with grain and agriculture. The temple served as a religious and cultural center for the Philistines, and its destruction by Samson was a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, symbolizing the power of the God of Israel over the Philistine gods.

Prophetic References

Gaza is also mentioned in the prophetic books of the Bible, often in the context of judgment against the Philistines. 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 population, delivering them up 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 Reference

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 that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza, where he encounters the Ethiopian eunuch and shares the gospel with him.

Gaza's rich biblical history, from its role in the narratives of conquest and judges to its mention in prophetic literature, underscores its importance as a city of both conflict and divine intervention.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 16:23
Then the lords of the Philistines gathered them together for to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hand.
Nave's Topical Index