feminine of עַז; strong; Azzah, a place in Palestine; Azzah, Gaza.
Transliteration:ʻAzzâh
Pronunciation:az-zaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term ʻAzzâh (`{{H5804}}`) is primarily known as a proper noun, designating a significant city in ancient Philistia. Its etymology, however, reveals a deeper semantic root. It is derived from the feminine form of the adjective ʻaz (`{{H5794}}`), which means "strong," "mighty," or "fierce." Thus, the name "Azzah" or "Gaza" inherently conveys the meaning of "strong" or "fortified." This etymological connection is not merely incidental but reflects the historical reality of the city as a formidable stronghold, strategically located on the southern coastal plain of Canaan. While the adjectival sense of ʻAzzâh as "strong" is foundational to its name, its usage in the biblical text is almost exclusively as a geographical designation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The city of ʻAzzâh (Gaza) is frequently mentioned throughout the Hebrew Bible and once in the New Testament, consistently portrayed as a prominent Philistine city. It was one of the five major cities of the Philistine pentapolis ([[Joshua 13:3]], [[1 Samuel 6:17]]), embodying the strength and resilience of this formidable enemy of Israel.
Despite being allotted to the tribe of Judah in the division of the land ([[Joshua 15:47]]), the Israelites initially captured Gaza but failed to fully dispossess its inhabitants ([[Judges 1:18]]), leading to ongoing conflict and Philistine dominance in the region. This incomplete conquest highlights a recurring theme of Israel's partial obedience and the consequent challenges they faced.
Gaza features prominently in the narrative of Samson, serving as the location of some of his most dramatic encounters with the Philistines. It was in Gaza that Samson carried away the city gates ([[Judges 16:1-3]]) and, tragically, where he was ultimately imprisoned, blinded, and met his end while bringing down the temple of Dagon upon himself and his captors ([[Judges 16:21-30]]). These accounts underscore Gaza's status as a center of Philistine power and idolatry.
Prophetic pronouncements frequently target Gaza, alongside other Philistine cities, as a recipient of divine judgment due to their idolatry, oppression, and hostility towards God's people. Examples include [[Jeremiah 25:20]], [[Amos 1:6-8]], [[Zephaniah 2:4]], and [[Zechariah 9:5]]. These prophecies often foretell its destruction or desolation, reflecting God's sovereign control over all nations.
In the New Testament, Gaza is mentioned in the account of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch ([[Acts 8:26]]). The angel of the Lord directs Philip to the "road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza," which is described as "desert." This reference, while brief, suggests the continued existence of the route, even if the city itself or parts of the road were desolate at that time, and marks a significant point in the expansion of the gospel to the Gentiles.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to ʻAzzâh (`{{H5804}}`) is its masculine root, ʻaz (`{{H5794}}`), which signifies "strong," "mighty," "fierce," or "bold." This root appears frequently in the Hebrew Bible to describe strength, whether of individuals, nations, or even God Himself. Other related concepts include:
* **Fortification and Defense:** The very name of Gaza implies a fortified city, connecting it to terms describing walls, gates, and strongholds.
* **Philistine Pentapolis:** Gaza was a key member of this confederation of five cities (Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron, Gath, and Gaza), which collectively represented a significant political and military power in ancient Canaan.
* **Coastal Plain:** Its location on the Via Maris, a crucial trade route, made it strategically vital and a center for commerce and conflict.
* **Idolatry:** As a Philistine city, Gaza was a center for the worship of Dagon and other pagan deities, contrasting sharply with the monotheistic worship of Yahweh.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻAzzâh (Gaza) is multifaceted.
Firstly, it represents the ongoing challenge and resistance faced by Israel in fully possessing the promised land. The failure to completely dislodge the inhabitants of Gaza, despite initial victories, highlights the consequences of incomplete obedience to God's commands.
Secondly, Gaza functions as a symbol of the ungodly nations and their opposition to God's purposes. Its strength and idolatry made it a frequent target of prophetic judgment, demonstrating God's sovereignty over all nations and His justice against those who defy Him and oppress His people. The prophecies against Gaza serve as a reminder that no human power, no matter how "strong" (as its name suggests), can ultimately withstand the divine will.
Thirdly, the narrative of Samson in Gaza illustrates the paradox of divine power working through human weakness, and ultimately, God's triumph over His enemies, even through tragic circumstances. Samson's final act in Gaza, though self-sacrificial, brought down the house of Dagon, symbolizing the eventual overthrow of paganism by the power of God.
Finally, the New Testament mention in [[Acts 8:26]] points to a broader redemptive purpose. The "desert" road to Gaza becomes the setting for the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, a Gentile, signifying the expansion of the gospel beyond Jewish boundaries and into the wider world, fulfilling God's universal plan of salvation.
### Summary
ʻAzzâh (`{{H5804}}`), transliterated as Gaza, derives its name from the Hebrew word for "strong" or "fortified," a fitting description for this strategically vital city. As a prominent member of the Philistine pentapolis, Gaza was a formidable stronghold and a persistent adversary of Israel, representing the challenges of incomplete conquest and the enduring presence of paganism. Its biblical narrative is rich with accounts of conflict, particularly with Samson, and serves as a frequent subject of prophetic judgment, underscoring God's sovereignty over nations and His justice against those who oppose Him. Ultimately, from a theological perspective, Gaza transitions from a symbol of resistance and judgment in the Old Testament to a setting for the expansion of God's redemptive plan to the Gentiles in the New Testament, illustrating the sweeping scope of divine grace.
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