Then went Samson to Gaza, and saw there an harlot, and went in unto her.
Gaza х `Azaataah (H5804), the strong] - now Guzzah; the capital of the largest of the five Philistine principal cities, about 15 miles southwest of Ashkelon, and, like that town, was captured by the tribe of Judah, but re-taken by the Philistines. The object of Samson's visit to this city is not recorded; and, unless he had gone in disguise, it was a perilous exposure of his life in one of the enemy's strongholds. It soon transpired that he was there, and it was immediately resolved to secure him; but deeming themselves certain of their prey, the Gazites deferred the execution of their measures until the morning.