GATH

A city of the Philistines, and one of their five principalities, 1Sa 5:8 6:17. It was a notable city, in the border of the Philistines nearest to Jerusalem; but its site has long been lost. It was the home of Goliath, 1Sa 17:4. Compare Jos 11:22 2Sa 21:19-22. Here David sought a refuge form Saul, 1Sa 21:10 27:2-7. It came under his power in the beginning of his reign over all Israel, 1Ch 18:1, and continued subject to his successors till the declension of the kingdom of Judah. Rehoboam rebuilt or fortified it, 2Ch 11:8. It was afterwards recovered by the Philistines, but Uzziah reconquered it, 2Ch 26:6. Its inhabitants were called Gittites, Jos 13:3; and David had tow of them in his service, who faithfully adhered to him during the rebellion of Absalom, 2Sa 15:18-22.

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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 METHEGAMMAH.)

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Gath. a wine-press

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GATH. → One of the five chief cities of the Philistines Jos 13:3; 1Sa 6:17; Am 6:2; Mic 1:10 → Anakim, a race of giants, inhabitants of Jos 11:22 → Goliath lived in 1Sa 17:4; 1Ch 20:5-8 → Obed-edom belonged to 2Sa 6:10 → The ark of the covenant taken to 1Sa 5:8 → Inhabitants of, called GITTITES Jos 13:3 → David takes refuge at 1Sa 21:10-15; 27:2-7 → Band of Gittites, attached to David 2Sa 15:18-22 → Captured by David 1Ch 18:1 → Shimei's servants escape to 1Ki 2:39-41 → Fortified by Rehoboam 2Ch 11:8 → Captured by Hazael 2Ki 12:17 → Recovered by Jehoash 2Ki 13:25 → Besieged by Uzziah 2Ch 26:6 → Called METHEGAMMAH in 2Sa 8:1

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a city 1Sa 5:8; 6:17; 21:10; 27:2; 2Sa 1:20; 15:18; 21:22; 2Ki 12:17 1Ch 18:1; 2Ch 26:6