Topical Bible: Gaza: Also Called Azzah: Samson Dies At

◄ Gaza: Also Called Azzah: Samson Dies At ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Geographical and Historical Context:

Gaza, also known as Azzah, is one of the five principal cities of the Philistines, located on the southwestern coast of Canaan, near the Mediterranean Sea. It served as a significant trade and military hub due to its strategic position along the ancient trade routes connecting Egypt and the Levant. The city is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of the Philistine conflicts with Israel.

Biblical Significance:

Gaza holds a prominent place in biblical narratives, especially in the account of Samson, one of the judges of Israel. The city is most notably recognized as the site of Samson's final act of strength and his death.

Samson in Gaza:

The account of Samson in Gaza is found in the Book of Judges. Samson, known for his extraordinary strength, was a Nazirite dedicated to God from birth. His exploits against the Philistines are legendary, and his encounters with them often highlight the ongoing struggle between Israel and the Philistines.

In Judges 16, Samson visits Gaza and becomes involved with a prostitute. The Philistines learn of his presence and plot to kill him. However, Samson escapes by tearing out the city gates and carrying them to the top of a hill (Judges 16:1-3):

"One day Samson went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute and went in to spend the night with her. When the Gazites heard that Samson was there, 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."

Samson's Death:

The most significant event associated with Gaza is Samson's death. After being betrayed by Delilah and captured by the Philistines, Samson is brought to Gaza, where he is imprisoned and blinded. During a Philistine celebration in the temple of Dagon, Samson is brought out to entertain the crowd. In a final act of faith and strength, Samson prays to God and brings down the temple, killing himself and many Philistines (Judges 16:28-30):

"Then Samson called out to the LORD: 'O Lord GOD, please remember me. Strengthen me, O God, just once more, so that with one final blow I may pay back the Philistines for my two eyes.' And Samson reached out for the two central pillars on which the temple rested, bracing himself against them with his right hand on one and his left hand on the other. Samson said, 'Let me die with the Philistines.' Then he pushed with all his might, and the temple fell on the lords and all the people in it. So in his death he killed more than he had killed in his life."

Cultural and Theological Insights:

Gaza's role in the account of Samson underscores the tension between the Israelites and the Philistines, serving as a backdrop for God's deliverance through Samson's judgeship. The narrative highlights themes of divine strength, human weakness, and redemption. Samson's life and death in Gaza illustrate the consequences of personal failings and the potential for God's purposes to be fulfilled even through flawed individuals.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 16:21-31
But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.
Nave's Topical Index