Topical Bible: Gaza: Also Called Azzah: One of the Border Cities of the Canaanites

◄ Gaza: Also Called Azzah: One of the Border Cities of the Canaanites ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Gaza, also known as Azzah, is one of the ancient cities located on the southwestern border of Canaan. It holds significant historical and biblical importance, being frequently mentioned in the Scriptures. The city is one of the five principal cities of the Philistines, a group often in conflict with the Israelites.

Biblical References and Historical Context

Gaza is first mentioned in the Bible in the context of the land promised to the descendants of Abraham. In Genesis 10:19, it is described as part of the territory of the Canaanites: "And the territory of the Canaanites extended from Sidon toward Gerar as far as Gaza, and then toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, as far as Lasha" . This early mention establishes Gaza as a significant landmark in the ancient Near East.

The city is also noted in the Book of Joshua as part of the land that remained to be conquered by the Israelites. Joshua 13:3 states, "from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron to the north, all of it counted as Canaanite; the five rulers of the Philistines—the Gazites, Ashdodites, Ashkelonites, Gittites, and Ekronites; and the Avvites" . This passage highlights Gaza's role as a Philistine stronghold.

Gaza in the Time of the Judges

During the period of the Judges, Gaza is prominently featured in the narrative of Samson. Judges 16 recounts the account of Samson's exploits in Gaza, where he famously carried away the city gates. Judges 16:1-3 narrates, "One day Samson went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute and went in to spend the night with her. When the Gazites were told, 'Samson is here,' they surrounded the place and lay in wait for him all night at the city gate. They kept quiet all night, saying, 'Let us wait until dawn; then we will kill him.' But Samson lay there only until the middle of the night. Then he got up and took hold of the doors of the city gate, along with the two gateposts, and pulled them out, bar and all. He put them on his shoulders and carried them to the top of the hill that faces Hebron" . This account underscores the city's strategic and military significance.

Prophetic Pronouncements Against Gaza

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 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 uprooted, and Ekron will be torn down" . These prophecies reflect the city's role in the broader narrative of Israel's interactions with its neighbors.

New Testament Reference

In the New Testament, Gaza is mentioned in the account of Philip the Evangelist. Acts 8:26 records, "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'" . This passage highlights Gaza's location on a significant travel route and its continued relevance in the early Christian era.

Conclusion

Gaza, or Azzah, remains a city of considerable historical and biblical interest. Its role as a Philistine city, its mention in prophetic literature, and its place in the New Testament narrative all contribute to its significance in the biblical record.

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Genesis 10:19
And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as you come to Gerar, to Gaza; as you go, to Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even to Lasha.
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