The caravan still lay buried in profound slumber. By the time that the camels were loaded and themselves ready to depart, the morning began to dawn, and a singular spectacle was unfolded by it. The camels were crouching in a wide circle around the baggage, the horses, and the merchandise; and their long necks and little heads rose like towers above a wall. The men had encamped round fires or in tents. Most of the fires had burnt out, only here and there dying embers occasionally shot a flame, which feebly illuminated the singular groups around. Within the great circle all was still, save that the watchmen with their long staves were going their rounds, and calling their watchword in the stillness of the hour. In the distance were heard the hoarse sounds of the waves, breaking on the shore. On the other side of the camp was Gaza with its towers and ruins; and the fiery glow of morning was lightening up the scene of the fearful accomplishment of the word of prophecy. Gaza, once so populous, magnificent, and strong, when she committed the shameful outrage on Sampson, had no longer any gates at the spot where the mighty hero once lifted them up, and placed them on the hill opposite to Hebron.[75] Jeremiah had taken the wine-cup of fury from the hand of Jehovah, to cause the nations to drink of it to whom the Lord had sent him, and Gaza was amongst them, that they might reel and be mad because of the sword that he sent amongst them.[76] The shepherd of Tekoah had foretold this in yet plainer language. Footnote 75: Judg. xvi. 1-3. Footnote 76: Jer. xlvii. Thus saith Jehovah, Three transgressions of Gaza have I passed unnoticed, But the fourth I cannot overlook. And I will send a fire on the walls of Gaza, Which shall devour the palaces thereof.—Amos i. 6, 7. Zephaniah[77] had said, “Gaza shall be forsaken;” and last of all Zechariah[78] had declared, Ashkelon shall see it and fear, Gaza also shall see it and grieve, The king shall perish from Gaza, And Ashkelon shall not be inhabited. Footnote 77: Zeph. ii. 4. Footnote 78: Zech. ix. 5.