Judges 16:1-3

Samson Carries off the Gates of Gaza. Gaza was the last coast town on the way down to Egypt, about 30 m. from Samson's home; to-day a town of 16,000 inhabitants.

Judges 16:2 b does not agree with Judges 16:2 a. There would be no need to keep watch by night, when the gates were closed. The Philistines were quiet all the night, i.e. they took no precautions. Probably the words compassed. city are a later addition.

Judges 16:3. The gate consisted of two wings, which were flanked by two posts and secured by a bar let into the posts. Samson pulled the posts out of the ground, put the whole framework on his shoulders, and carried it to the top of the hill that faces Hebron, 40 m. from Gaza.