Bible Dictionary
GAZITES
The Gazites were inhabitants of Gaza, a Philistine city encountered by Israel in the period of the judges.
Definition
Gazites were inhabitants of Gaza, a Philistine city with which Israel came into contact during the period of the judges.
Biblical Usage
They are mentioned in connection with Gaza in Joshua and Judges.
Historical Background
The population included the Philistines, though an older population, probably of Amorite stock, had occupied the place before the Philistine invasion.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>gaz'-its:</p><p>Inhabitants of Gaza, who were Philistines when the Israelites came into contact with them (Jos 13:3; Jud 16:2), but there was an older stratum of population which occupied the place before the invasion of the Philistines, probably of Amorite stock.</p>