This section is from "The American Cyclopaedia", by George Ripley And Charles A. Dana. Also available from Amazon: The New American Cyclopędia. 16 volumes complete..
Gath, one of the five chief cities of Philistia, often mentioned in the history of David and his successors. The giant Goliath, who was slain by David, was either a native or an inhabitant of Gath. It was for centuries alternately under the power of the Jewish kings or independent, except a short period when it was under Syrian rule. In the time of Jerome it was a very large village.'1 There is much dispute as to its site, three different places being suggested. The one now considered most probable is Tel es-Safieh, 10 m. S. E. of Ashdod, and 22 m. S. W. of Jerusalem, where are considerable ruins.
 
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