Meaning
Gath (a wine press), one of the five royal cities of the Philistines; (Joshua 13:3; 1Samuel 6:17) and the native place of the giant Goliath. (1Sam 17:4; 1Sam 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, (2Chronicles 11:8) on the border of Judah and Philistia, (1Samuel 21:10; 1Chronicles 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. (2Kings 12:17; 2Chronicles 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; Zech 9:5; Zech 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. (1Samuel 21:10-15)
