Gath

(a wine press ), one of the five royal cities of the Philistines; ( Joshua 13:3 ; 1 Samuel 6:17 ) and the native place of the giant Goliath. ( 1 Samuel 17:4 1 Samuel 17:23 ) It probably stood upon the conspicuous hill now called Tell-es-Safieh , upon the side of the plain of Philistia, at the foot of the mountains of Judah; 10 miles east of Ashdod, and about the same distance south by east of Ekron. It is irregular in form, and about 200 feet high. Gath occupied a strong position, ( 2 Chronicles 11:8 ) on the border of Judah and Philistia, ( 1 Samuel 21:10 ; 1 Chronicles 18:1 ) and from its strength and resources forming the key of both countries, it was the scene of frequent struggles, and was often captured and recaptured. ( 2 Kings 12:17 ; 2 Chronicles 11:8 ; 26:6 ; Amos 6:2 ) The ravages of war to which Gath was exposed appear to have destroyed it at a comparatively early period, as it is not mentioned among the other royal cities by the later prophets. ( Zephaniah 2:4 ; Zechariah 9:5 Zechariah 9:6 ) It is familiar to the Bible student as the scene of one of the most romantic incidents in the life of King David. ( 1 Samuel 21:10-15 )