The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Philistines, before that Pharaoh smote Gaza.
Ver. 1. Before that Pharaoh smote Gaza.] Called also Gazer and Gazera, having its name not from the Persian Gaza, signifying wealth or treasure, but from a Hebrew word signifying strength. It was first smitten by Pharaoh at his return from Carchemish likely, after he had slain Josiah, and afterwards worsted the Babylonian at Euphrates. Next by Nebuchadnezzar; this and the four other satrapies of the Philistines were overrun then when he came against Egypt. After that it was besieged and taken by Alexander the Great, who laid it waste. Yet was it built again and called Constantia, after the name of Constantine the Great's sister, being one of the chief cities in Syria, and having received the faith. a
a Euseb., De Vit. Constant., lib. iv.