The Gazites were 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 due to its strategic location on the trade routes between Egypt and the Levant. The Gazites, as Philistines, were part of a confederation of city-states that included Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron, and Gath.

Biblical References:

1. Judges 16:1-3 · The Gazites are prominently mentioned in the account of Samson. Samson, a judge of Israel known for his extraordinary strength, visited Gaza and was ensnared by the Gazites. They plotted to kill him, but Samson escaped by uprooting the city gate and carrying it to the top of a hill. The Berean Standard Bible states: "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."

2. Joshua 13:3 · Gaza is listed among the territories that remained to be conquered by the Israelites during the time of Joshua. The BSB notes: "from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron to the north, all of it counted as Canaanite (the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron—the Avvites)."

3. 1 Samuel 6:17 · The city of Gaza is mentioned in the context of the Philistine cities that returned the Ark of the Covenant to Israel. The BSB records: "As a guilt offering to the LORD, the Philistines sent back one gold tumor for each city: Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron."

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Gazites, as part of the Philistine confederation, were known for their advanced culture and military prowess. The Philistines are believed to have originated from the Aegean region, possibly as part of the Sea Peoples who migrated to the eastern Mediterranean. They were known for their ironworking skills, which gave them a technological advantage over the Israelites, who were primarily in the Bronze Age during the early encounters.

Gaza's location made it a vital center for trade and military operations. The city was often a point of conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines, as seen in the narratives of Samson and later during the reigns of Saul and David.

Theological Significance:

The interactions between the Israelites and the Gazites highlight the ongoing struggle between the people of God and the surrounding pagan nations. The Philistines, including the Gazites, often served as instruments of divine judgment against Israel when they strayed from God's commandments. However, the deliverance of Israel from Philistine oppression, as seen in the accounts of Samson and David, underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant people.

The Gazites, like other Philistines, worshiped deities such as Dagon, and their culture was often at odds with the monotheistic worship of Yahweh. The biblical narrative portrays the Philistines as a persistent threat to Israel, yet also as a people who, through God's providence, were used to demonstrate His power and sovereignty.The Gazites

Inhabitants of Gaza. (Judges 16:2)

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

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