Who lived in the Gaza Strip in the Bible? The answer to this question lies in the book of Judges where we read about a strongman by the name of Samson who grew up in the town of Zorah, located near the border between the tribes of Dan and Judah. One day Samson went to the city of Gaza, which was one of the five major Philistine cities at the time, and stayed in the house of a prostitute. The Philistines, upon hearing of his presence, sent soldiers to capture him. However, Samson was able to escape by tearing down the gates of the city and carrying them with him to the top of a nearby hill.
Gaza was one of the five major Philistine cities during biblical times.
According to the Bible, the land known as the Gaza Strip was inhabited by the Philistines. These ancient people were known for their strong military prowess and maritime trade. It is mentioned in various biblical accounts that the Philistines posed a significant threat to the surrounding Israelite tribes.
Resources:
1) 'And as for Gaza, Ashkelon will become a desolation; they shall drive out Ashdod at noonday, and Ekron shall be uprooted.' - Amos 1:7
Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Amos+1&version=NKJV
2) 'Gaza shall be deserted, and Ashkelon shall become a desolation; Ashdod's people shall be driven out at noon, and Ekron shall be uprooted.' - Zephaniah 2:4
Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zephaniah+2&version=NRSV
3) 'Even Egypt and her mercenary troops from Cush, Put, and Lud, and all the mixed people, and Chub, and the people of the land who have made a covenant, shall fall with them by the sword.' - Ezekiel 30:5
Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+30%3A5&version=ESV
Outline:
1. Samson, a strongman, lived in the town of Zorah near the border between the tribes of Dan and Judah.
2. Samson visited the city of Gaza, one of the five major Philistine cities at the time.
3. Samson stayed in the house of a prostitute in Gaza.
4. The Philistines, upon hearing of Samson's presence, sent soldiers to capture him.
5. Samson was able to escape by tearing down the gates of the city and carrying them with him to the top of a nearby hill.
