Meaning
Gath was an important Philistine city associated in Scripture with Goliath and with David’s period of refuge among the Philistines.
Biblical Usage
Gath was one of the principal Philistine cities. It appears in accounts of conflict between Israel and the Philistines, including the account of Goliath, who was from Gath.
David later went to Achish, king of Gath, while fleeing Saul. In 2 Samuel 1:20, David mentions Gath in his lament concerning Saul and Jonathan, telling Israel not to publish the news of their deaths there.
Key References
- Joshua 11:22 — Mentions Gath among the places where Anakim remained.
- 1 Samuel 17:4 — Identifies Goliath as a champion from Gath.
- 1 Samuel 21:10 — Records David fleeing to Achish, king of Gath.
- 1 Samuel 27:2-4 — Records David dwelling under Achish’s protection.
- 2 Samuel 1:20 — David says not to publish the news in Gath.
- 2 Samuel 15:18-22 — Mentions Ittai the Gittite among those accompanying David.
- 1 Chronicles 18:1 — Records David taking Gath and its towns from the Philistines.
- Amos 6:2 — Mentions Gath in a comparison with other cities.
Related Terms
- Philistines — A people frequently in conflict with Israel in the Old Testament.
- David — King of Israel who sought refuge among the Philistines before becoming king.
- Goliath — The Philistine champion from Gath.
- Warfare — The activity or practice of fighting a war.