Updated on

Gaza

Gaza City

CityOld Testament & New Testament
31.5000°N, 34.4667°E View on Map

About Gaza

Gaza was one of the five major Philistine cities on the Mediterranean coast. Samson was taken here after his capture, where he pushed down the pillars of the temple of Dagon, killing himself and thousands of Philistines. Philip met the Ethiopian eunuch on the road to Gaza.

Events at Gaza

Samson carries off the gates
Samson carries off the gates

Gaza · JDG 16:3

See Gaza on the map
Samson brings down the temple
Samson brings down the temple

Gaza · JDG 16:30

See Gaza on the map
SamsonLinked to this placeSamsonPerformed feats of strength and died at Gaza

History of Gaza

  1. Conquestc. 1400 BC

    Gaza is assigned to Judah but Philistines continue to hold it

    JOS 15:47, JDG 1:18

  2. Judgesc. 1070 BC

    Samson carries away the gates of Gaza

    JDG 16:1-3

  3. Judgesc. 1070 BC

    Samson is imprisoned and dies in Gaza's temple of Dagon

    JDG 16:21-30

  4. Prophetsc. 760 BC

    Amos prophesies judgment against Gaza for slave trading

    AMO 1:6-7

  5. New Testamentc. AD 35

    Philip meets the Ethiopian eunuch on the road to Gaza

    ACT 8:26-39

Notable Characters in Gaza

Samson
Samson

Performed feats of strength and died at Gaza

Philip
Philip

Met the Ethiopian eunuch on the road toward Gaza

Locations Related to Gaza

Jerusalem
Jerusalem

The desert road from Jerusalem led toward Gaza

View on Map
Egypt
Egypt

Gaza was on the main trade route to Egypt

View on Map

Biblical Significance of Gaza

Gaza was one of the five major Philistine cities, located on the Mediterranean coast. It was a center of resistance against Israel and where Samson met his end. The prophets repeatedly condemned Gaza for slave trading and violence. Yet the 'desert road to Gaza' became the setting for one of the earliest Gentile conversions - the Ethiopian eunuch baptized by Philip.

Key Verses about Gaza

Judges 16:21-30Acts 8:26-40

Frequently Asked Questions

Latest from the Blog

Fresh reflections on faith and Scripture

Blog
Why Genesis Leaves So Many Questions Unanswered
Genesis and the Big Questions of Origins-

Why Genesis Leaves So Many Questions Unanswered

Genesis opens the Bible with creation, but it doesn't tell us everything we want to know about origins. The gaps in the narrative aren't oversights but intentional choices that shape how we approach faith, science, and the biggest questions of existence.

Read more
When You Can't Decide: Proverbs' Framework for Making Better Choices
Proverbs and Practical Wisdom-

When You Can't Decide: Proverbs' Framework for Making Better Choices

The Book of Proverbs offers a practical, character-based framework for decision-making that goes beyond seeking signs or feelings. Instead of focusing on mysterious guidance, it teaches us to cultivate wisdom through preparation, counsel, and integrity, transforming how we approach life's crossroads.

Read more
When God Invites You to Stop Pretending: Permission to Be Real in the Psalms
The Psalms as Expression of Human Emotions-

When God Invites You to Stop Pretending: Permission to Be Real in the Psalms

The Psalms don't just reflect our emotions - they give us explicit permission to bring our rawest, most unfiltered feelings directly to God. This ancient prayer book teaches us that vulnerability isn't a weakness in our spiritual life; it's the very foundation of authentic relationship with the Divine.

Read more