Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Etymology:Gat, more commonly known as Gath, is one of the five principal Philistine cities mentioned in the Bible. The name "Gath" is derived from the Hebrew word "גַּת" (Gath), which means "winepress." This etymology suggests that the area may have been known for its wine production.
Biblical References:Gath is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as a significant Philistine city. It is one of the five cities of the Philistine pentapolis, which also includes Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron, and Gaza. Gath is most famously known as the home of Goliath, the giant warrior defeated by David.
1.
Goliath of Gath: The most notable reference to Gath is in the context of the account of David and Goliath. Goliath is described as a champion from Gath, a giant who defied the armies of Israel. In
1 Samuel 17:4, it states, "Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height."
2.
David's Flight to Gath: David, before becoming king, sought refuge in Gath to escape King Saul's pursuit. In
1 Samuel 21:10, it is recorded, "That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath." This event highlights the complex relationship between David and the Philistines, as he later feigned madness to escape from Gath.
3.
Conquests and Conflicts: Gath was a focal point in the ongoing conflicts between Israel and the Philistines. In
2 Samuel 8:1, it is noted that David defeated the Philistines and subdued them, taking control of Gath and its surrounding villages. "After this, David defeated the Philistines and subdued them, and he took Metheg-ammah from the hand of the Philistines."
4.
Prophetic References: The prophets also mention Gath in their oracles against the Philistines. In
Amos 6:2, the prophet challenges Israel to consider the fate of other cities, including Gath: "Go to Calneh and see; go from there to great Hamath; then go down to Gath of the Philistines. Are you better than these kingdoms? Is their territory greater than yours?"
Historical and Archaeological Context:Gath's location is traditionally identified with the archaeological site of Tell es-Safi, situated in modern-day Israel. Excavations have revealed significant Philistine artifacts, including pottery and fortifications, which corroborate the biblical narrative of Gath as a major Philistine city. The city's strategic location made it a frequent target in the territorial struggles between the Israelites and the Philistines.
Theological Significance:Gath serves as a backdrop for several key biblical narratives that illustrate themes of faith, divine intervention, and the sovereignty of God over nations. The account of David and Goliath, in particular, underscores the power of God to deliver His people through seemingly insurmountable odds. David's interactions with Gath also highlight the complexities of his rise to kingship and the providential protection he experienced.
Cultural Impact:The narrative of Goliath of Gath has permeated Western culture, symbolizing the triumph of the underdog and the power of faith. The phrase "David and Goliath" is commonly used to describe any situation where a smaller, weaker opponent faces a much larger adversary.
Conclusion:While Gath's prominence declined after the biblical period, its legacy endures through the biblical accounts that continue to inspire and instruct believers in the power and faithfulness of God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v.) imp. of Get.
2. (p. p.) of Get.
Greek
2364. thugater -- daughter... daughter. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: thugater Phonetic Spelling:
(thoo-
gat'-air) Short Definition: a daughter Definition: a daughter; hence
...2040. ergates -- a workman
... a workman. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: ergates Phonetic Spelling:
(er-gat'-ace) Short Definition: a field-laborer, workman Definition: a...
2365. thugatrion -- a little daughter
... a little daughter. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: thugatrion Phonetic
Spelling: (thoo-gat'-ree-on) Short Definition: a little daughter Definition...
Library
Scotch Song
... 'O whaurgat ye the green, green moss, O whaur the bents sae fine? And whaur
gat ye the bonny broun hair That ance was tress o' mine?'....
That Thy Resurrection Might be Believed among the Gainsayers, they...
... He that giveth food to all went in, andgat hunger. He that giveth all to drink
went in, andgat thirst. Naked and bare came forth from her the Clother of all....
The Life of Adam
... Then Enochgat Irad, and Irad Mehujael, and hegat Methusael, and hegat Lameth,
which was the seventh from Adam and worst, for he brought in first bigamy....
Here Followeth the Life of Abraham
... and all his goods. And a mangat away from them and came to Abram, and told
him how that Lot was taken and led away. And then anon...
The Crowning of Abimelech
... And Abimelechgat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that were with him;
and Abimelech took an ax in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees...
The Life of St. Christopher
... eye of the tyrant, to whom the blood of the holy martyr re-established his sight,
and enlumined him in taking away the blindness of his body, andgat of the...
General Service for the Festivals of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
... Israel. And Moses went into the midst of the cloud andgat him up into the
mount; and was in the mount forty days and forty nights....
Chapter ii.
... of the provinces. Igat me men-singers and women-singers, and the delights
of the sons of men, as cups and the cupbearer. 9. And...
Here Beginneth the History of Noah
... Noah then was a man perfect and righteous and kept God's commandment. And when
he was five hundred years old, hegat Shem, Ham, and Japhet....
The Life of St. Paul the Apostle
... Hegat to him many friends in the emperor's house and converted them to the faith
of Christ, and some of his writings were recited and read tofore the emperor...
Thesaurus
Gat (21 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Gat (21 Occurrences). Genesis 19:27 And Abraham
gat up
early in the morning to the place where he stood before the LORD: (KJV ASV).
...Examination (10 Occurrences)
... W. Ewing. BEAUTIFUL GATE. bu'-ti-fool,gat. See TEMPLE. BENJAMIN, GATE OF. See
JERUSALEM. CORNER GATE. kor'-nergat. See JERUSALEM. Multi-Version Concordance...
Assur (2 Occurrences)
... shur'-gat, sher'-gat: The name of the first capital city of Assyria is known
by the Arabs as Qala' at Sherghat, or the Fortress of Sherghat....
Asshur (133 Occurrences)
... shur'-gat, sher'-gat: The name of the first capital city of Assyria is known
by the Arabs as Qala' at Sherghat, or the Fortress of Sherghat....
Sherghat
... shur'-gat, sher'-gat: The name of the first capital city of Assyria is known
by the Arabs as Qala' at Sherghat, or the Fortress of Sherghat....
Vulgate
... VULGATE. vul'-gat: I. NAME AND ITS HISTORY 1. Present Usage 2. Earlier Usage
3. Post-Hieronymic 4. Historical Importance of the Vulgate II....
Nether-world (41 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Psalms 116:3 The cords of death compassed me, And the pains of Sheol
gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow. (See JPS)....
Gibeath-benjamin (4 Occurrences)
... to his tent. (See JPS). 1 Samuel 13:15 And Samuel arose, andgat him up
from Gilgal unto Gibeah of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the...
Gasps (1 Occurrence)
Gatam (3 Occurrences)
Resources
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