The term "Gazites" refers to the inhabitants of Gaza, one of the five principal cities of the Philistines, located in the southwestern part of ancient Canaan, near the Mediterranean coast. Gaza was a significant city in biblical times, known for its strategic location and its role in various biblical narratives.

Biblical References

The Gazites are mentioned in several passages in the Bible, primarily in the context of their interactions with the Israelites. One of the most notable references to the Gazites is found in the account of Samson. In Judges 16:1-3 , it is recorded that Samson went to Gaza, where he encountered a prostitute. The Gazites learned of his presence and planned to kill him at dawn. However, Samson arose at midnight, seized the doors of the city gate along with the two gateposts, and carried them to the top of a hill facing Hebron.

Another significant mention of Gaza and its inhabitants is in the context of the conquests of the Israelites. In Joshua 13:3 , Gaza is listed among the territories that remained to be conquered by the Israelites, indicating its importance and the resistance of its inhabitants. The Philistines, including the Gazites, were a persistent adversary of Israel throughout the period of the Judges and into the time of the monarchy.

Historical and Cultural Context

Gaza was one of the five city-states of the Philistines, along with Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron, and Gath. These cities were known for their advanced culture, military prowess, and frequent conflicts with the Israelites. The Philistines were of Aegean origin, and their presence in Canaan posed a significant challenge to the Israelites, both militarily and culturally.

The Gazites, as part of the Philistine confederation, were polytheistic, worshiping deities such as Dagon and Baal. Their religious practices and way of life often brought them into conflict with the monotheistic Israelites, who were commanded by God to avoid the idolatrous practices of their neighbors.

Role in Israelite History

The Gazites, like other Philistines, played a crucial role in the history of Israel during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. Their interactions with figures such as Samson highlight the ongoing struggle between the Israelites and the Philistines for control of the land. The Philistine threat persisted until the time of King David, who eventually subdued them, as recorded in 2 Samuel 8:1 .

Despite their opposition to Israel, the Gazites and their city of Gaza are part of the broader narrative of God's dealings with His people. The conflicts with the Philistines, including the Gazites, served as a backdrop for demonstrating God's power and faithfulness to Israel, even in the face of formidable enemies.

Legacy

The legacy of the Gazites and their city is seen in the continued mention of Gaza in biblical prophecy and history. The city remained significant throughout the biblical period and beyond, serving as a reminder of the complex interactions between the Israelites and their neighbors. The Gazites, as part of the Philistine identity, are emblematic of the challenges faced by Israel in maintaining their covenant relationship with God amidst external pressures and influences.GAZITES

gaz'-its:

Inhabitants of Gaza, who were Philistines when the Israelites came into contact with them (Joshua 13:3 Judges 16:2), but there was an older stratum of population which occupied the place before the invasion of the Philistines, probably of Amorite stock.

5841. Azzathi -- inhab. of Gaza
... Definition: Gazite. Word Origin from Azzah Definition inhab. of Gaza NASB Word
Usage Gazite (1), Gazites (1). Gazathite, Gazite. Patrial ...
/hebrew/5841.htm - 6k

Prefatory Remarks, by Valesius,
... were, during the empire of Valens, eminent in the monasteries of Palestine; that
they lived near Bethelia, a village in the country of the Gazites, and were ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/prefatory remarks by valesius.htm

The War Between Aristobulus and Hyrcanus About the Kingdom;
... this: That king Alexander and his wife made him general of all Idumea, and that
he made a league of friendship with those Arabians, and Gazites, and Ascalonites ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 the war between.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... And when the Gazites heard he was come thither: Straightway they gathered themselves
together To compass him about, and lay in wait All night, to take him in ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

Gazites (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia GAZITES. gaz'-its: Inhabitants ... stock.
Multi-Version Concordance Gazites (2 Occurrences). Joshua 13 ...
/g/gazites.htm - 7k

Gazite (1 Occurrence)
... Shihor, which is before Egypt, even to the border of Ekron northward, which is counted
as Canaanite; the five lords of the Philistines; the Gazites, and the ...
/g/gazite.htm - 6k

Gittite (10 Occurrences)
... Shihor, which is before Egypt, even to the border of Ekron northward, which is counted
as Canaanite; the five lords of the Philistines; the Gazites, and the ...
/g/gittite.htm - 10k

Gazathites (2 Occurrences)
... GAZATHITES. ga'-zath-its (`azzathim): The inhabitants of GAZA (which see) (Joshua
13:3 the King James Version), rendered "Gazites" (Judges 16:2). ...
/g/gazathites.htm - 7k

Gittites (2 Occurrences)
... Shihor, which is before Egypt, even to the border of Ekron northward, which is counted
as Canaanite; the five lords of the Philistines; the Gazites, and the ...
/g/gittites.htm - 8k

Gazzah (1 Occurrence)

/g/gazzah.htm - 6k

We'll (15 Occurrences)
... Judges 16:2 It was told the Gazites, saying, "Samson is here!" They surrounded him,
and laid wait for him all night in the gate of the city, and were quiet all ...
/w/we'll.htm - 10k

Ekronites (2 Occurrences)
... Shihor, which is before Egypt, even to the border of Ekron northward, which is counted
as Canaanite; the five lords of the Philistines; the Gazites, and the ...
/e/ekronites.htm - 7k

Ekron (20 Occurrences)
... Shihor, which is before Egypt, even to the border of Ekron northward, which is counted
as Canaanite; the five lords of the Philistines; the Gazites, and the ...
/e/ekron.htm - 17k

Ekronite (1 Occurrence)
... Shihor, which is before Egypt, even to the border of Ekron northward, which is counted
as Canaanite; the five lords of the Philistines; the Gazites, and the ...
/e/ekronite.htm - 9k

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