The Hebrew word ʻAzzâh, represented by H5804, is the name for Azzah, a place in Palestine commonly known as Gaza. The name is derived from a feminine word meaning strong. It appears 21 times across 20 unique verses in the Bible, consistently identifying it as a significant city, particularly one belonging to the Philistines.
In the biblical narrative, H5804 serves as a key geographical and political marker. It is established early as a boundary for the territory of the Canaanites Genesis 10:19. It is later identified as a Philistine city that was smitten by Joshua Joshua 10:41 and taken by Judah Judges 1:18. Despite this, it remained a persistent stronghold for Israel's enemies; it was one of the few places where the Anakims H6062 remained Joshua 11:22. The city is notable in the story of Samson H8123, who went there and was later imprisoned, bound in brass fetters, and put to work in the prison house (Judges 16:1, Judges 16:21). It is also listed as part of the vast territory over which King Solomon had dominion 1 Kings 4:24.
Several related words and places are closely associated with H5804 Gaza:
- H6430 Pᵉlishtîy (Philistine): This term for an inhabitant of Pelesheth is fundamentally linked to Gaza, which is consistently described as a chief city of the Philistines (Jeremiah 25:20, 2 Kings 18:8).
- H831 ʼAshqᵉlôwn (Ashkelon): A neighboring Philistine city, Ashkelon is frequently mentioned alongside Gaza in prophecies of judgment and sorrow (Jeremiah 47:5, Zephaniah 2:4, Zechariah 9:5).
- H6138 ʻEqrôwn (Ekron): Defined as eradication, Ekron is another of the five major Philistine cities often listed with Gaza (1 Samuel 6:17, Jeremiah 25:20).
- H795 ʼAshdôwd (Ashdod): Meaning ravager, Ashdod is also a primary Philistine city where the Anakim remained along with those in Gaza and Gath Joshua 11:22.
- H1661 Gath (Gath): Another city where the Anakim remained, Gath is listed with Gaza as sending a trespass offering to the LORD 1 Samuel 6:17.
- H123 ʼĔdôm (Edom): The region of Edom is connected to Gaza's fate; the prophet Amos declares judgment upon Gaza for carrying away captives to deliver them up to Edom Amos 1:6.
The theological weight of H5804 is primarily seen through prophecies of divine judgment. It stands as a symbol of a powerful enemy stronghold that faces God's wrath.
- Judgment for Transgression: Gaza is explicitly condemned for its specific sin of carrying away an entire community into captivity and delivering them to Edom H123 Amos 1:6. As a consequence, the LORD H3068 promises to send a fire H784 on its wall H2346 to devour its palaces H759 Amos 1:7.
- Prophetic Downfall: Multiple prophets foretell its demise. Jeremiah speaks of baldness H7144 coming upon Gaza Jeremiah 47:5. Zephaniah declares that Gaza shall be forsaken H5800 and Ekron shall be rooted up H6131 Zephaniah 2:4. Zechariah predicts that the king H4428 shall perish H6 from Gaza and the city will be filled with sorrow Zechariah 9:5.
- A Persistent Enemy: Even after being conquered by Judah Judges 1:18, Gaza remains a symbol of opposition, housing the Anakim Joshua 11:22 and the Philistines. The story of Samson's capture and imprisonment there highlights it as a place of conflict and trial for Israel's judges Judges 16:21.
In summary, H5804 is more than just a location on a map. As Gaza, it represents a "strong" and defiant city, central to the Philistine identity and their opposition to Israel. While it marks a geographical border and is the setting for significant historical events like those involving Samson, its primary role in scripture is as a recipient of divine judgment. The prophecies against Gaza serve as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty over all nations and His condemnation of their transgressions.
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