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