A Gaze into Biblical Gaza
Bro. David Manchala, Hyderabad
The Israel-Gaza conflict began on 7th October 2023 when militants invaded Israel from the Gaza Strip. The attack was met with an Israeli counter-offensive, and Israel formally declared war on Hamas a day later. The war is part of the decades-long Palestinian–Israeli conflict.
There are a lot of discussions and debates happening about the Gaza Strip. The Gaza Strip territory occupies 140 square miles along the Mediterranean Sea just northeast of the Sinai Peninsula.
The Gaza Strip is unusual in being a densely settled area not recognized as any other country. Not only in secular history, surprisingly, the Gaza city is also mentioned several times in the Bible. The Gaza that is in the news today is the same Gaza that was mentioned in the Bible, nothing has changed! At least in 13 Old Testament books, Gaza is mentioned and 1 time even in the New Testament.
We will consider 7 things about Gaza based on some of those references
1. Place and Location
Gaza is first mentioned in the Bible in Gen. 10:19, and the last reference is in Acts 8:26. Geographical boundaries are also mentioned in the Bible. This location is included in the promise given to Abraham (Gen. 15:18-21).
2. Plan of God for the city
This city was conquered and claimed by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua (Joshua 10:41, 11:22).
3. Priority
Interestingly, the land of Gaza was allotted to the tribe of Judah during the distribution of the land by Joshua (Joshua 15:47).
4. Problems and Battles
Although God gave the city of Gaza to his people, enemies remained there and fought with them till today (Joshua 11:22; Judges 1:18; 2 Kings 18:8; 1 Samuel 6:17). Wars between Israel and Gaza happened then and are happening now also.
5. People of Gaza and their Brutality
In biblical times, the Gazites captured Samson and put out his eyes, and they brought him to Gaza and bound him with fetters of brass; he was then made to grind in their prison house. Surprisingly, just as they treated Samson cruelly, Hamas does the same to the Israelites even today (Judges 16:2, 21).
6. Prophecies about Gaza
We not only read about Gaza in Historical books of the Bible but also in prophetical books. Prophecies regarding Gaza were partially fulfilled during the times of the prophets. Those prophecies are being fulfilled before our eyes today.
- Amos 1:7 – Fire on the wall of Gaza
- Zephaniah 2:4 - Gaza shall be forsaken
- Zechariah 9:5 – The king shall perish from Gaza
- Jeremiah 47:5 - Baldness is come upon Gaza, etc.
7. Peace in Gaza during the Millennium
Today Gaza is under ruins and desolation. Nevertheless, when the Lion of Judah, the Prince of Peace, the Lord Jesus Christ reigns during the Millennium, there will be peace in Gaza. For a short period of time, Gaza experienced peace under the leadership of Joshua and Solomon (Joshua 11:22, 23; I Kings 4:24).
They both are pictures of our Lord Jesus Christ. During Joshua's time, Gaza enjoyed a period of rest, and in Solomon's time also it enjoyed some relief. But when Christ rules, not only Gaza, but the whole world will be in peace. Let's earnestly wait for that day.
Since prophecies are being fulfilled, as believers we need to prepare to meet our Lord. The rapture is nearer than ever!
2 Peter 1:19 “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”
Related topic: ISRAEL - PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE- an outline
5/12/2023
