Gaza
LocationsGeographical Setting
Gaza is an ancient coastal city located in the southern Levant, historically serving as a critical junction between Egypt and the Levantine corridor.
What is the meaning of Gaza in the Bible?
Gaza was one of the five chief cities of the Philistines, located on the Mediterranean coast at approximately 31 degrees 30 minutes north latitude, roughly 40 miles south of Jaffa. The city sits on a plateau rising 60 to 200 feet above the surrounding plain, separated from the sea by sand dunes.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Gaza's strategic position on the border between Egypt and Syria helps readers grasp why this city was frequently contested in biblical narratives, particularly during the periods of the Judges and the early monarchy, as control over Gaza meant control of the vital coastal trade route.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Gaza in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Gaza clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.