Did Archaeologists Uncover the Gate that Saved King David?

A massive gate unearthed in archaeological excavations at the Tel Tzafit National Park is thought to be the entrance to Gath, the largest Philistine center in biblical land of Israel. Gath was inhabited until the ninth century BCE, and the Bible describes the city as a Philistine enclave (which they maintained even after the Israelites, led by Joshua, conquered the land). Gath was also home to Goliath, who was famously defeated by David.

The excavations that led to the discovery of the gate and city fortifications show just how impressive and strong this Philistine capital was, according to Professor Aren Maeir from Bar-Ilan University, a leading archaeologist on site. Archaeological digs have been conducted in the Tel Tzafit area since 1899, but it's only in recent decades that archaeologists have grasped the size and abundance of the remains.

The archaeological team at Tel Tzafit was searching for city fortifications when they found the upper part of a massive gate. Because the remaining walls are so large and fortified, it may take several more years to fully uncover them. Currently, only the upper surface of the structures can be seen, but based on the size and construction style of the stones used, it appears that the city walls were quite extensive. These robust fortifications likely deterred the Jewish kingdoms in the region from conquering Gath. It was finally subjugated by Hazael, King of Aram, who captured and destroyed it in 830 BCE, as recounted in the Bible.

One intriguing aspect of the discovery is that the gate of Gath is mentioned in the Bible as being instrumental in saving King David. In the book of Samuel I, chapter 21, it is recounted that David fled from King Saul to the Philistine city of Gath, ruled at the time by Achish. Achish's servants recognized David and informed the king of their guest's true identity, recently revealed as the slayer of their champion, Goliath. To escape danger, David pretended to be insane: "He changed his behavior before them, pretended to be insane, and acted like a madman on the gates." Rabbinic interpretations suggest that David scribbled madness-induced messages on the city gate, claiming that Achish and his wife owed him substantial debts. It is highly possible that the gate discovered at Tel Tzafit is the very gate on which David scrawled to convince the Philistines of his madness.