What is Goliath’s Gate?
A David And Goliath Recap
It’s one of the more well-known stories of the Bible, David and Goliath. These two were made famous in the Old Testament Book of Samuel. Everybody loves stories about an underdog.
On one side was little David, the future king of Israel. David was upset at Goliath for defying the armies of God. On the other side was a giant of a Philistine warrior named Goliath. Goliath was pretty angry with David for coming to a sword fight with some rocks and a sling. In the end one of those rocks from David’s sling met Goliath’s forehead, and the fight was over. Goliath lost his head, and David went on to become the king of Israel.
What Did David And Goliath Have In Common?
(1 Samuel 17:4) A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. His height was six cubits and a span.
(1 Samuel 21:10) That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath.
The city of Gath was one of the five main Philistine cities. According to the Bible, Gath was Goliath’s hometown. It was also the place David fled to when he was running from Saul. This city is mentioned a number of times in the Old Testament.
Goliath’s Gate
An archaeological dig that has been going on for more than 20 years in Israel has recently uncovered what is being called Goliath’s Gate. Also discovered was massive fortification walls to the ancient city of Gath. The giant-sized gate is said to be the entrance to the 9th century BC Philistine city. The team of archaeologists found Goliath’s Gate while digging trenches to look for the fortification walls. It is interesting that the Bible does speak of a gate at the city of Gath.
(1 Samuel 21:12-13) David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish king of Gath. So he pretended to be insane in their presence: and while he was in their hands he acted like a madman, making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard.
Archaeology Is Making The Critic’s Job Harder
We read in the Bible about these cities from a few thousand years ago and sometimes are unaware that many of these places have actually been discovered by archaeologist. As they continue to uncover cities such as Gath, the truth of God’s Word is proven time after time. These cities spoken about in the Bible are real places that did exist.
For someone who is just beginning to look at the Bible as having the answers to what life is all about, it is not uncommon to wonder if the stories and places written about in its pages really happened. Over the years critics of Christianity have tried hard to make people believe the Bible is just a book filled with a bunch of make-believe stories and made up places. As more of these discoveries are being made, the critics job only becomes harder.
