Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
A wine-vat, one of the five royal cities of the Philistines (Josh. 13:3) on which the ark brought calamity (1 Sam. 5:8, 9; 6:17). It was famous also as being the birthplace or residence of Goliath (1 Sam. 17:4). David fled from Saul to Achish, king of Gath (1 Sam. 21:10; 27:2-4; Ps. 56), and his connection with it will account for the words in 2 Sam. 1:20. It was afterwards conquered by David (2 Sam. 8:1). It occupied a strong position on the
borders of Judah and Philistia (1 Sam. 21:10; 1 Chr. 18:1). Its site has been identified with the hill called Tell esSafieh, the Alba Specula of the Middle Ages, which rises 695 feet above the plain on its east edge. It is noticed on monuments about B.C. 1500. (See METHEGAMMAH.)
Smith's Bible Dictionary (1863)
(a wine press), one of the five royal cities of the Philistines; (Joshua 13:3; 1 Samuel 6:17) and the native place of the giant Goliath. (1 Samuel 17:4,23) It probably stood upon the conspicuous hill now called Tell-es-Safieh, upon the side of the plain of Philistia, at the foot of the mountains of Judah; 10 miles east of Ashdod, and about the same distance south by east of Ekron. It is irregular in form, and about 200 feet high. Gath occupied a
strong position, (2 Chronicles 11:8) on the border of Judah and Philistia, (1 Samuel 21:10; 1 Chronicles 18:1) and from its strength and resources forming the key of both countries, it was the scene of frequent struggles, and was often captured and recaptured. (2 Kings 12:17; 2 Chronicles 11:8; 26:6; Amos 6:2) The ravages of war to which Gath was exposed appear to have destroyed it at a comparatively early period, as it is not mentioned among the
other royal cities by the later prophets. (Zephaniah 2:4; Zechariah 9:5,6) It is familiar to the Bible student as the scene of one of the most romantic incidents in the life of King David. (1 Samuel 21:10-15)
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898) & Schaff's Bible Dictionary
GATH (wine-press), one of the five cities of the Philistines, Josh 13:3; 1 Sam 6:17; Am 6:2; Mic 1:10; a stronghold of the Anakim, Josh 11:22; home of Goliath, 1 Sam 17:4; place whither the ark was carried, 1 Sam 5:8; where David sought refuge, 1 Sam 21:10-15; was strengthened by Rehoboam, 2 Chr 11:8; taken by Hazael of Syria, 2 Kgs 12:17; probably recovered by Jehoash, 2 Kgs 13:25; broken down by Uzziah, 2 Chr 26:6; was probably destroyed before
the time of the later prophecies, as it is omitted from the list of royal cities. See Zeph 2:4; Zech 9:5-6. Thomson would identify it with Eleutheropolis, but Porter, Warren, and Conder place Gath at Tel es-Saji, 15 miles south of Ramleh and 12 miles south-east of Ashdod.
Hitchcock's Bible Names (1869)
a wine-press