Gath in Smiths Bible Dictionary

(a wine press), one of the five royal cities of the Philistines; Jos 13:3; 1Sa 6:17 and the native place of the giant Goliath. 1Sa 17:4,23 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, 2Ch 11:8 on the border of Judah and Philistia, 1Sa 21:10; 1Ch 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. 2Ki 12:17; 2Ch 11:8; 26:6; Am 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. Zep 2:4; Zec 9:5,6 It is familiar to the Bible student as the scene of one of the most romantic incidents in the life of King David. 1Sa 21:10-15