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 Samuel 5:8 . To Achish king of Gath David resorted when his faith failed him as to God's protection. 1 Samuel 27:2-4 : cf. 1 Samuel 21:10,12 . Afterwards 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 Chronicles 18:1; 2 Chronicles 26:6 . After Micah 1:10 we hear no more of Gath among the cities of the Philistines: cf. Zephaniah 2:4; Zechariah 9:5,6 . It may have been ruined. Its site is identified with Tell es Safl, 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.