The passage in Zechariah 9, opening verses, had an immediate application to the campaign of Alexander the great, first in the north of Israel and subsequently in the southeast, overcoming the Philistine in Ekron, Gaza and Ashkelon. However, there are other prophecies that speak of Gaza that may have a far-reaching application to our day, although it is interpretive. One of these is Amos 1:6,7: “I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza, which shall devour the palaces thereof.” This also would have had a fulfillment in the past, perhaps also in the invasion by Alexander the Great. However, prophecy sometimes has also a long-range application. It may be so here. We look at this with interest, especially in light of the recent 2023/2024 war between Israel and Gaza.
It does appear that the inheritance of the land of Israel from ancient times included the land of Gaza. For after the conquest of most of Canaan under Joshua, Joshua 13:2,3 speak of the area allocated to Israel but not yet controlled by them. Among these places was Gaza.
Joshua 13:2: “This is the land that yet remaineth: all the borders of the Philistines, and all Geshuri, from Sihor, which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites.” Notice the mention of “Gazathites.”
Will Israel now obtain that land and include it within the state of Israel? Or will this portion later come to Israel during the approaching millennial kingdom? We will see with time.
Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1290: “Is the Jewish Nation Really God’s Chosen People?”
The history and destiny of the nation of Israel and the favor with God
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
PDF: “Will Israel Survive the End Times?”
Video: “Israel Fulfilling Prophecy”
