Topical Encyclopedia Gath, one of the five principal cities of the Philistines, holds a significant place in biblical history. It is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as a formidable city-state, often in conflict with the Israelites. Gath is perhaps most famously known as the hometown of Goliath, the giant warrior defeated by David (1 Samuel 17:4).The city of Gath was strategically located in the Shephelah, the lowland region of ancient Judah, serving as a buffer zone between the Philistine coastal plain and the Judean hill country. This location made it a site of frequent military engagements between the Philistines and the Israelites. In the context of its recovery by Jehoash, Gath's significance is highlighted during the reign of Jehoash (also known as Joash), the king of Judah. Jehoash's reign is noted for a period of relative stability and military success, despite the challenges faced by the kingdom of Judah. The recovery of Gath by Jehoash is recorded in 2 Kings 12:17 : "At that time Hazael king of Aram went up and fought against Gath and captured it. Then he turned to attack Jerusalem." This passage indicates that Gath had fallen into the hands of Hazael, the king of Aram (Syria), who was expanding his influence in the region. The capture of Gath by Hazael posed a significant threat to Judah, as it brought the Aramean forces closer to Jerusalem. Although the specific details of Jehoash's recovery of Gath are not extensively documented in the biblical text, it is understood that Jehoash took measures to fortify and secure his kingdom against external threats. His actions likely included military campaigns to reclaim lost territories and strengthen Judah's defenses. Jehoash's reign is further characterized by his efforts to repair the temple in Jerusalem, as described in 2 Kings 12:4-16. This focus on religious and national restoration suggests that Jehoash was committed to both spiritual and political renewal, which would have included the strategic recovery of key locations like Gath. The recovery of Gath by Jehoash underscores the ongoing struggle for control between the Israelites and their neighboring adversaries. It reflects the broader narrative of Israel's history, marked by cycles of conflict, repentance, and divine intervention. Gath's role in this history serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges faced by the people of God and their reliance on divine guidance and strength in times of adversity. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 13:25And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael the cities, which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war. Three times did Joash beat him, and recovered the cities of Israel. Nave's Topical Index Library Hazael Makes an Expedition against the People of Israel and the ... Appendices Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Resources Who was Abimelech in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Cave of Adullam? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Anakim / Anakites? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Gath: Anakim, a Race of Giants, Inhabitants of Gath: Band of Gittites, Attached to David Gath: Inhabitants of, Called Gittites Gath: One of the Five Chief Cities of the Philistines Gath: Shimei's Servants Escape To Gath: The Ark of the Covenant Taken To Related Terms Mo'resheth-gath (1 Occurrence) Til'gath-pilne'ser (3 Occurrences) Tilgath-pilneser (3 Occurrences) |
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