Gath
Gath was one of the five principal Philistine cities and the hometown of Goliath, the giant champion David slew in the Valley of Elah. It later became an unlikely refuge for David himself, who fled there twice from Saul - once feigning madness before its king Achish to escape recognition, and later serving Achish as a vassal with his own band of men. Gath's prominence faded after King Hazael of Aram sacked it in the ninth century BC, and by the time of the prophets it no longer ranked among the great Philistine cities.
Details
- Region
- Philistia
- Modern Location
- Tell es-Safi, central Israel
Key Passages
Goliath of Gath
1 Samuel 17:4
Goliath is introduced simply as 'of Gath' - the city's name forever associated with the giant champion David would defeat.
4nd there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.
David Feigns Madness Before Achish
1 Samuel 21:10-15
Fleeing Saul, David takes refuge in Gath itself and only escapes by pretending to be insane before its king.
10nd David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath.