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).
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.