One of the five royal cities of the Philistines, and to which Goliath belonged. It is not mentioned as having been given to any of the tribes. It was to this city that the ark was carried when taken in war (1 Sam. 5:8). To Achish king of Gath David resorted when his faith failed him as to God’s protection (1 Sam. 27:2-4; compare 1 Sam. 21:10,12). Afterward when he was king and in power he took Gath and her towns out of the hand of the Philistines. Uzziah also fought against the place and broke down its walls (1 Chron. 18:1; 2 Chron. 26:6. After Micah 1:10 we hear no more of Gath among the cities of the Philistines (compare Zeph. 2:4; Zech. 9:5-6). It may have been ruined. Its site is identified with Tell es Safi, 31° 43' N, 34° 51' E, where there are extensive ruins and cisterns hewn out of the rock. It commanded the entrance to the valley of Elah.