10 Interesting Facts About Gaza in the Bible

Gaza is one of the oldest cities mentioned in the Bible. It played a major role in Israel’s history and was a key city in the land of the Philistines. Its name brings up stories of Samson, battles, and prophecy.

Below are 10 interesting facts about Gaza, with full Bible verses to show its importance.

1. Gaza Was a Key Philistine City

Gaza was one of five major Philistine cities. These cities were often in conflict with Israel and represented strongholds of idol worship and violence.

Joshua 13:3
"From the Shihor, which is east of Egypt, to the territory of Ekron on the north (it is counted as Canaanite); the five rulers of the Philistines—those of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath and Ekron..."

1 Samuel 6:17
"These are the gold tumors the Philistines sent as a guilt offering to the Lord—one each for Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath and Ekron."

2. Samson Was Imprisoned in Gaza

After being tricked by Delilah, Samson was captured and taken to Gaza. His strength was gone, and he was treated like a slave.

Judges 16:21
"Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding grain in the prison."

3. Samson Destroyed Gaza’s Temple

Though blind and in chains, Samson prayed to God for strength one last time. He brought down the temple where the Philistines were celebrating.

Judges 16:29
"Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other..."

Judges 16:30
"Samson said, 'Let me die with the Philistines!' Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived."

4. Gaza Was in the Land Promised to Abraham

The land of Gaza fell within the broader borders of Canaan that God promised to Abraham’s descendants.

Genesis 15:18-21
"On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram and said, 'To your descendants I give this land, from the Wadi of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates...'"

Exodus 23:31
"I will establish your borders from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the desert to the Euphrates River..."

5. Gaza Was Judged by the Prophets

God judged Gaza for its cruelty, especially for selling entire communities into slavery.

Amos 1:6-7
"This is what the Lord says: 'For three sins of Gaza, even for four, I will not relent. Because she took captive whole communities and sold them to Edom, I will send fire on the walls of Gaza that will consume her fortresses.'"

Zechariah 9:5
"Gaza will writhe in agony, and Ekron too, for her hope will wither. Gaza will lose her king and Ashkelon will be deserted."

6. Gaza Was on a Major Trade Route

Gaza was a key stop on the road between Egypt and the Holy Land. This road was important in the ancient world for trade and travel.

Acts 8:26
"Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, 'Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.'"

Genesis 10:19
"And the borders of the Canaanites were from Sidon... as you go toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboyim, as far as Lasha."

7. Gaza Is Mentioned in the New Testament

The Book of Acts tells of the Ethiopian eunuch's conversion near Gaza. This shows that Gaza remained important during the early church.

Acts 8:27-28
"So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official... This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet."

8. Zephaniah Warned Gaza Would Be Destroyed

Gaza was warned of coming judgment. The prophets spoke of destruction due to pride, violence, and sin.

Zephaniah 2:4
"Gaza will be abandoned and Ashkelon left in ruins. At midday Ashdod will be emptied and Ekron uprooted."

Jeremiah 47:5
"Gaza will shave her head in mourning; Ashkelon will be silenced. You remnant on the plain, how long will you cut yourselves?"

9. Gaza Was Attacked by Pharaoh

Before Babylon’s rise, Gaza was attacked by Egypt. This shows Gaza’s repeated involvement in regional conflict.

Jeremiah 47:1
"This is the word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the Philistines before Pharaoh attacked Gaza."

10. The Name Gaza Still Exists Today

Gaza is one of the few cities in the Bible that still keeps its original name. This city remains on the map in the same general location as in ancient times.

Acts 8:26
"...the desert road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza."

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