"The beginning of his [Samson's] degeneration occurred in Gaza. Therefore, he received his punishment in Gaza." Sotah 9b
"Gaza has no Biblical significance (like Hebron, Bethlehem, Rachel's Tomb, etc.), and therefore is no significant territorial loss to Israel. Our relinquishment of Gaza by military withdrawal and the dismantling of settlements is a positive move for the security of Israel and the communities (their homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, etc.) we leave behind will become 'building blocks' for the future development of Gaza and a Palestinian state."(1)
In light of this statement, we must ask ourselves, is there Biblical significance to Gaza? And, if so, how can we apply that significance to current events surrounding Gaza and Prime Minister Sharon's plan for Israel's disengagement from Gaza?
In addressing the first question, let us first note that Biblically and historically Gaza was a part of Abraham's inheritance within the land of Canaan. Gaza was also the commercial and military center of the five Philistine cities located along the southern Mediterranean seashore. According to God's covenant with Abraham and His instruction regarding the division of tribal inheritance to Moses, these cities were to become the inheritance of the tribe of Judah. In addition, many famous people whose mission either "supported or dismantled" God's covenant and vision for the Land, lived or fought in and around Gaza. They include the Patriarchs Abraham and Isaac, the tribe of Judah, Samson, Jonathan, Goliath, King David, Herod the Great, Alexander the Great, Napoleon and Allenby. Furthermore, there is an historical trend that cites Gaza and its leaders as being a snare to Israel itself.
Hence, although Gaza may not possess the tomb of a Patriarch or of a Matriarch, it does possess revelatory insights regarding Israel's purpose and vision, as well as its compromise and spiritual degeneration.
Gaza and Samson
In the book of Judges, three full chapters are dedicated to the life of Samson and his exploits among the Philistines. The last chapter (16) is centered in and about Gaza itself. The chapter begins, "Then went Samson to Gaza, and saw there a harlot, and went in to her. And it was told to the Gazaites and they laid wait for him all night in the gate of the city, and at midnight Samson rose and took the gates of the city up to the hill before Hebron."(2)
Herein lies the purpose of Samson's role as a Judge: to possess the gates of his enemies and to deliver Israel from its oppressors by restoring the authority of God's covenant made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (resting in Hebron) for the Land and the People.
Yet, the significance of Gaza, in light of Samson's degeneration, cannot be underestimated in revealing to today's leaders the heart of the inhabitants and their utter hatred toward Israel itself. Furthermore, the story of Samson is an historical happening that holds within its pages a series of events pertinent to Israel's relationship with the Palestinian people today. As the Talmud states, "The beginning of Samson's degeneration occurred in Gaza."
Toward the close of our story, Samson travels to Gaza and goes in to a harlot. His encounter in Gaza was followed by his relationship with Delilah. Delilah's effect on Samson is revealed in tractate Sotah 9b: "She weakened his strength, she weakened his heart, and she weakened his actions."
How did she do it? "And it came to pass, that she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him."(3) It is not difficult to see how words can create pressure, especially in light of the media's assault against Israel today. But, what is meant by "and urged him"? Rabbi Isaac of the School of Rabbi Ammi said, "At the time of the consummation, she detached herself from him." Hence, her pressing and urging resulted in Samson revealing the source of his favor and strength. In doing so, he relinquished his covenant with G-d, his eyes were gorged out and he was imprisoned in Gaza. He lost his vision.
In the recent Jerusalem Conference, consisting of ministers of the Knesset from both the Left and the Right, Israeli and US diplomats, educational leaders and settlement leaders, one message came across loud and clear: "Israel does not have a clear vision or a purpose. Israel has lost its ability to tell a clear and concise story about the state of Israel."(4)
Now, let us consider the commentary "Samson's degeneration began when he went down to Gaza." Could it be that Israel's degeneration began with the Oslo accords, when Yitzchak Rabin went down to Gaza to make a league with Yasser Arafat? Subsequently, we see Israel being snared by levels of compromise that were never thought possible. Such compromise has brought the Palestinians to the place where they 'daily press Israel with their words and urge him.'
How do they urge Israel, even Prime Minister Sharon? Every time there is to be a consummation of relationship - i.e., a territorial agreement between the Palestinians and Israel - the Palestinian government detaches itself from Israel. The numerous detachments have now brought the leadership of Israel to a place of despair, even to a mindset in which they are willing to compromise Israel's inheritance without receiving anything in return. It is as though the eyes of our leaders are being plucked out and the loss of vision is bringing us into the enslavement of the Gaza authority itself. Let us consider that, "corruption and compromise of boundaries morally or nationally go hand in hand - despair is its reward."
A recent statement made by Yasser Arafat to embrace Hamas and Islamic Jihad as "full partners" in the decision-making process of the Palestinian Government should awaken us to see one thing and one thing only: "Israel's decision to disengage is strengthening the Palestinian resolve to unite for the purpose of Israel's annihilation - not for the purpose of building its own state."(5)
In summary, the disengagement of the settlements in Gaza will result in the blindness of Israel's Prime Minister and the nation. Gaza will become a city of punishment instead of a city of peace.
What can Americans and Israelis do? We can pray that G-d would grant a space of time for both the Israeli and American government leaders to hear the opposition and re-think their position regarding Gaza and the West Bank. We can also contact the White House and tell President Bush, "no" to the Prime Minister's plan for the disengagement in Gaza.
Footnotes:
1) Whitehouse Briefing, March 25, 2004.
2) Judges 16:1
3) Judges 16:16
4) Hon. Yoram Ettinger, Israel Embassy Liaison to Congress
5) Further commentary: Regarding the death of Hamas leader Ahmed Yassin, Geoffre Aranson says, "In this case not only does Yassin's death close Israel's file against him, it also reflects a growing concern that the prime Palestinian benefactor of Mr. Sharon's decision will be none other than Hamas." He continues to say, "It is not the least of this conflict's gruesome ironies that Israel's proposed withdrawal promises the opposite of what its leaders claim to intend." History of Hamas: Founded in 1987 on the eve of the first rebellion against Israeli rule. Hamas is the Islamic Resistance Movement, which combines a well functioning system of social welfare with a tenacious armed campaign, highlighted by a strategy of terror against Israelis.
"Gaza has no Biblical significance (like Hebron, Bethlehem, Rachel's Tomb, etc.), and therefore is no significant territorial loss to Israel. Our relinquishment of Gaza by military withdrawal and the dismantling of settlements is a positive move for the security of Israel and the communities (their homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, etc.) we leave behind will become 'building blocks' for the future development of Gaza and a Palestinian state."(1)
In light of this statement, we must ask ourselves, is there Biblical significance to Gaza? And, if so, how can we apply that significance to current events surrounding Gaza and Prime Minister Sharon's plan for Israel's disengagement from Gaza?
In addressing the first question, let us first note that Biblically and historically Gaza was a part of Abraham's inheritance within the land of Canaan. Gaza was also the commercial and military center of the five Philistine cities located along the southern Mediterranean seashore. According to God's covenant with Abraham and His instruction regarding the division of tribal inheritance to Moses, these cities were to become the inheritance of the tribe of Judah. In addition, many famous people whose mission either "supported or dismantled" God's covenant and vision for the Land, lived or fought in and around Gaza. They include the Patriarchs Abraham and Isaac, the tribe of Judah, Samson, Jonathan, Goliath, King David, Herod the Great, Alexander the Great, Napoleon and Allenby. Furthermore, there is an historical trend that cites Gaza and its leaders as being a snare to Israel itself.
Hence, although Gaza may not possess the tomb of a Patriarch or of a Matriarch, it does possess revelatory insights regarding Israel's purpose and vision, as well as its compromise and spiritual degeneration.
Gaza and Samson
In the book of Judges, three full chapters are dedicated to the life of Samson and his exploits among the Philistines. The last chapter (16) is centered in and about Gaza itself. The chapter begins, "Then went Samson to Gaza, and saw there a harlot, and went in to her. And it was told to the Gazaites and they laid wait for him all night in the gate of the city, and at midnight Samson rose and took the gates of the city up to the hill before Hebron."(2)
Herein lies the purpose of Samson's role as a Judge: to possess the gates of his enemies and to deliver Israel from its oppressors by restoring the authority of God's covenant made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (resting in Hebron) for the Land and the People.
Yet, the significance of Gaza, in light of Samson's degeneration, cannot be underestimated in revealing to today's leaders the heart of the inhabitants and their utter hatred toward Israel itself. Furthermore, the story of Samson is an historical happening that holds within its pages a series of events pertinent to Israel's relationship with the Palestinian people today. As the Talmud states, "The beginning of Samson's degeneration occurred in Gaza."
Toward the close of our story, Samson travels to Gaza and goes in to a harlot. His encounter in Gaza was followed by his relationship with Delilah. Delilah's effect on Samson is revealed in tractate Sotah 9b: "She weakened his strength, she weakened his heart, and she weakened his actions."
How did she do it? "And it came to pass, that she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him."(3) It is not difficult to see how words can create pressure, especially in light of the media's assault against Israel today. But, what is meant by "and urged him"? Rabbi Isaac of the School of Rabbi Ammi said, "At the time of the consummation, she detached herself from him." Hence, her pressing and urging resulted in Samson revealing the source of his favor and strength. In doing so, he relinquished his covenant with G-d, his eyes were gorged out and he was imprisoned in Gaza. He lost his vision.
In the recent Jerusalem Conference, consisting of ministers of the Knesset from both the Left and the Right, Israeli and US diplomats, educational leaders and settlement leaders, one message came across loud and clear: "Israel does not have a clear vision or a purpose. Israel has lost its ability to tell a clear and concise story about the state of Israel."(4)
Now, let us consider the commentary "Samson's degeneration began when he went down to Gaza." Could it be that Israel's degeneration began with the Oslo accords, when Yitzchak Rabin went down to Gaza to make a league with Yasser Arafat? Subsequently, we see Israel being snared by levels of compromise that were never thought possible. Such compromise has brought the Palestinians to the place where they 'daily press Israel with their words and urge him.'
How do they urge Israel, even Prime Minister Sharon? Every time there is to be a consummation of relationship - i.e., a territorial agreement between the Palestinians and Israel - the Palestinian government detaches itself from Israel. The numerous detachments have now brought the leadership of Israel to a place of despair, even to a mindset in which they are willing to compromise Israel's inheritance without receiving anything in return. It is as though the eyes of our leaders are being plucked out and the loss of vision is bringing us into the enslavement of the Gaza authority itself. Let us consider that, "corruption and compromise of boundaries morally or nationally go hand in hand - despair is its reward."
A recent statement made by Yasser Arafat to embrace Hamas and Islamic Jihad as "full partners" in the decision-making process of the Palestinian Government should awaken us to see one thing and one thing only: "Israel's decision to disengage is strengthening the Palestinian resolve to unite for the purpose of Israel's annihilation - not for the purpose of building its own state."(5)
In summary, the disengagement of the settlements in Gaza will result in the blindness of Israel's Prime Minister and the nation. Gaza will become a city of punishment instead of a city of peace.
What can Americans and Israelis do? We can pray that G-d would grant a space of time for both the Israeli and American government leaders to hear the opposition and re-think their position regarding Gaza and the West Bank. We can also contact the White House and tell President Bush, "no" to the Prime Minister's plan for the disengagement in Gaza.
Footnotes:
1) Whitehouse Briefing, March 25, 2004.
2) Judges 16:1
3) Judges 16:16
4) Hon. Yoram Ettinger, Israel Embassy Liaison to Congress
5) Further commentary: Regarding the death of Hamas leader Ahmed Yassin, Geoffre Aranson says, "In this case not only does Yassin's death close Israel's file against him, it also reflects a growing concern that the prime Palestinian benefactor of Mr. Sharon's decision will be none other than Hamas." He continues to say, "It is not the least of this conflict's gruesome ironies that Israel's proposed withdrawal promises the opposite of what its leaders claim to intend." History of Hamas: Founded in 1987 on the eve of the first rebellion against Israeli rule. Hamas is the Islamic Resistance Movement, which combines a well functioning system of social welfare with a tenacious armed campaign, highlighted by a strategy of terror against Israelis.