Gaza and Ashdod where the Anakim Giants Remained.
an important city in southwest Israel. It was near the coast and at the dividing line between Canaan and the area of the Sinai Desert. The Philistines controlled it most of the time even though it was allotted to Judah (Josh. 10:41; 15:47; Judg. 1:18). It was often under the influence of Egypt or the current ruling power of Canaan since it was situated at several major trade routes.
It was initially inhabited by the Avvites, a people who preceded the Philistines (Gen. 10:19; Deut. 2:23), as well as the Anakites (Josh. 11:22). Samson visited the city and removed the doors of the city gate (Judg. 16:1–3) but was later taken there as a captive. He avenged himself on the Philistines who ruled the city (Judg. 16:21–31). The grain god Dagon was worshiped there. Later, it became part of the five-city coalition of Philistine cities (Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, Ekron). It was the recognized southern extent of Philistine influence and power (2 Kgs. 18:8). The prophets spoke of God’s judgment on the city often (Jer. 25:20; 47:1, 5; Amos 1:6, 7; Zeph. 2:4; Zech. 9:5).