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, a group often in conflict with the Israelites. The city is strategically positioned near the Mediterranean coast, serving as a key trade and military hub throughout its history.

Biblical Allotment to Judah

In the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, Gaza was allotted to the tribe of Judah. This allocation is recorded in the Book of Joshua: "Judah also took Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron—each with its territory" (Joshua 15:47). Despite this allotment, the Israelites struggled to maintain control over Gaza due to the persistent presence and power of the Philistines.

Historical and Biblical Significance

Gaza's significance is highlighted in several biblical narratives. It is perhaps most famously associated with the account of Samson, a judge of Israel known for his extraordinary strength. Samson's exploits against the Philistines culminate in Gaza, where he is eventually captured. The Philistines bind him and bring him to Gaza, where he is imprisoned and later dies after toppling the pillars of a Philistine temple, killing many of his captors (Judges 16:21-30).

The city is also mentioned in the context of the prophetic judgments against the Philistines. The prophet Amos declares, "I will send fire upon the walls of Gaza, to consume its citadels" (Amos 1:7), indicating divine judgment against the city for its transgressions.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, Gaza is mentioned in the account of Philip the Evangelist. An angel of the Lord instructs Philip to go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza, where he encounters an Ethiopian eunuch. This meeting leads to the eunuch's conversion and baptism, marking an important moment in the spread of the Gospel (Acts 8:26-39).

Cultural and Theological Context

Gaza's role as a Philistine stronghold and its interactions with Israel highlight the ongoing struggle between the Israelites and their neighbors. The city's repeated mention in both historical and prophetic contexts underscores its importance in the biblical narrative. Theologically, Gaza serves as a backdrop for demonstrating God's sovereignty and justice, as well as His ability to use individuals like Samson and Philip to fulfill His purposes.

Throughout the biblical text, Gaza remains a symbol of both conflict and divine intervention, reflecting the broader themes of struggle and redemption that permeate the Scriptures.Joshua 15:47
Ashdod with her towns and her villages, Gaza with her towns and her villages, to the river of Egypt, and the great sea, and the border thereof:
Nave's Topical Index

Judges 1:18
Also Judah took Gaza with the coast thereof, and Askelon with the coast thereof, and Ekron with the coast thereof.
Nave's Topical Index

Should Israel be building settlements in the occupied territories, i.e., the West Bank and East Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Samson in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the Philistines? | GotQuestions.org

Gaza: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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