One of the ‘five cities of the Philistines’, Gath was famous as the home of a number of giants, the most famous of whom was Goliath (Josh 13:3; 1 Sam 6:17-18; 17:4; 2 Sam 21:18-22; see also ANAK). It also became well known as the place where David took refuge from Saul (1 Sam 21:10-15; 27:1-12). Certain men of Gath became close friends of David. When David became king of Israel, he entrusted some of these men with important responsibilities (2 Sam 6:10-11; 15:19-21; 18:2). Others became fulltime soldiers in David’s army (2 Sam 15:18). (For a map of the region and other details see PHILISTIA.)