The Definition of the word Gath

Gath

A wine-vat, one of the five royal cities of the Philistines "(Josh. 13:3) on which the ark brought calamity (1 Sam. 5:8, 9;" 6:17). It was famous also as being the birthplace or residence "of Goliath (1 Sam. 17:4). David fled from Saul to Achish, king" "of Gath (1 Sam. 21:10; 27:2-4; Ps. 56), and his connection with" it will account for the words in 2 Sam. 1:20. It was afterwards conquered by David (2 Sam. 8:1). It occupied a strong position on the borders of Judah and Philistia (1 Sam. 21:10; 1 Chr. 18:1). Its site has been identified with the hill called Tell "esSafieh, the Alba Specula of the Middle Ages, which rises 695" feet above the plain on its east edge. It is noticed on monuments about B.C. 1500. (See [229]METHEGAMMAH.)