Gaza
Gaza was the southernmost of the five principal Philistine cities and a major stop on the ancient coastal trade route between Egypt and Canaan. It is best remembered as the city where Samson, betrayed and blinded by the Philistines, was held as a prisoner and forced to grind grain in the prison house - until in a final act of strength, he pulled down the temple of Dagon upon himself and the assembled Philistine lords. Gaza's long history as a Philistine stronghold made it a recurring point of conflict throughout Israel's history, from the conquest under Joshua through the era of the judges and beyond.
Details
- Region
- Philistia
- Modern Location
- Gaza City
Key Passages
Samson Carries Off Gaza's Gates
Judges 16:1-3
In an early display of his supernatural strength, Samson tears the city gates of Gaza from their posts and carries them off - a foretaste of the greater destruction to come.
1hen went Samson to Gaza, and saw there an harlot, and went in unto her.
Samson's Final Act at Gaza
Judges 16:21-30
Blinded and mocked in Gaza's temple of Dagon, Samson prays for strength one last time and brings the building down on himself and the assembled Philistine leaders.
21ut 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.