One of the five cities of the Philistines (Josh. 11: 22); the men of the place were punished on account of the Ark (1 Sam. 5: 8; 1 Sam. 6: 17; 1 Sam. 7: 14). It was the birthplace of Goliath (1 Sam. 17) and a place of refuge for David (1 Sam. 21: 10-15; 1 Sam. 27). Afterwards it was captured by David (1 Chr. 18: 1). See also 2 Sam. 1: 20; 2 Sam. 15: 18; 2 Kgs. 12: 17; 2 Chr. 26: 6; Amos 6: 2; Micah 1: 10.