Topical Bible: Gaza: Also Called Azzah: Desert of

◄ Gaza: Also Called Azzah: Desert of ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Gaza, also known as Azzah, is a significant city mentioned in the Bible, located in the southwestern part of ancient Canaan, near the Mediterranean coast. It is one of the five principal cities of the Philistines, a people frequently in conflict with the Israelites. The name "Azzah" is derived from the Hebrew word for "strong" or "fortress," reflecting its strategic importance and fortified nature.

Biblical References and Historical Context

Gaza is first mentioned in the Book of Genesis as part of the territory promised to Abraham's descendants: "On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, 'To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates River: the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, and Jebusites.'" (Genesis 15:18-21). Although not explicitly named in this passage, Gaza falls within the boundaries described.

In the Book of Joshua, Gaza is listed among the cities that remained unconquered by the Israelites during their initial conquest of Canaan: "But the Israelites did not drive out the people of Geshur and Maacah, so they continue to live among the Israelites to this day." (Joshua 13:13). This indicates that Gaza remained under Philistine control during this period.

The city is perhaps most famously associated with the account of Samson, the judge of Israel, who was captured by the Philistines in Gaza. Judges 16 recounts how Samson was betrayed by Delilah, captured, and blinded by the Philistines. He was brought to Gaza, where he ultimately met his end by toppling the pillars of the Philistine temple, killing himself and many Philistines in the process: "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.'" (Judges 16:28).

Prophetic Significance

Gaza is also mentioned in the prophetic books of the Old Testament. The prophet Amos prophesied against Gaza, declaring God's judgment upon the city for its transgressions: "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.'" (Amos 1:6). This highlights the city's role in the regional conflicts and its participation in the slave trade.

Similarly, the prophet Zephaniah foretold the desolation of Gaza as part of God's judgment against the Philistines: "Gaza will be abandoned and Ashkelon left in ruins. At midday Ashdod will be emptied and Ekron uprooted." (Zephaniah 2:4). These prophecies underscore the city's eventual downfall and the divine retribution for its actions.

New Testament Reference

In the New Testament, Gaza is mentioned in the account of Philip the Evangelist. In Acts 8, an angel of the Lord instructs 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: "Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, 'Get up and go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.'" (Acts 8:26). This event marks a significant moment in the spread of Christianity beyond the Jewish community.

Geographical and Cultural Significance

Gaza's location made it a vital trade and military hub in the ancient world. Its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea facilitated commerce and interaction with various cultures and civilizations. The city's fortifications and strategic position made it a focal point in the power struggles between regional empires, including the Egyptians, Assyrians, and Babylonians.

Throughout its history, Gaza has been a symbol of both strength and conflict, reflecting the broader narrative of the land of Canaan and its peoples. Its biblical legacy continues to be a subject of study and reflection for those seeking to understand the historical and spiritual dimensions of the Scriptures.

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Acts 8:26-39
And the angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south to the way that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza, which is desert.
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