Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph. (2 Samuel 1:20)
The royal city of Achish (1 Sam. 21:10, 12; 27:2-4), where David had himself resided. The expression “Tell it not in Gath” seems to have become a proverb (see Micah 1:10).
Askelon.
One of the chief cities of the Philistines. Gath and Ashkelon are used poetically for all Philistia.
The daughters.
It was customary for women to celebrate great deliverances and national triumphs (Ex. 15:21; 1 Sam. 18:6).