"wine press."
One of the five royal cities of the Philistines (Josh. 13:3; Judges 3:3; 1 Sam. 6:17; 7:14; 17:52).
It was famous as the residence of the Anakims, the last descendants of a race of giants (Josh. 11:22; cp. Num. 13:33; Deut. 10:11). It is likely that both Goliath and the other giant soldiers belonged to this race (1 Sam. 17:4; 2 Sam. 21:15-22; 1 Chron. 20:4-8).
David turned to Achish, king of Gath, when his faith in God's protection failed him (1 Sam. 27:2-4; cp. 21:10, 12). When he became king he took Gath and its cities, snatching them from the hands of the Philistines.
Uzziah destroyed its walls (1 Chr. 18:1; 2 Chr. 26:6).
After me. 1:10 Gath is no longer heard of among the cities of the Philistines (cf. Zeph. 2:4; Zech. 9:5, 6). It may have been lying in ruins.
Its most probable identification is Tell es Sâfi, 31° 43' N, 34° 51' E, where there are extensive ruins and cisterns dug into the rocks.
He guarded the entrance to the valley of Elah.
Meaning of GAT
"wine press."
One of the five royal cities of the Philistines (Josh. 13:3; Judges 3:3; 1 Sam. 6:17; 7:14; 17:52).