1 Samuel 13:19
1 Samuel 13:19 in Multiple Translations
And no blacksmith could be found in all the land of Israel, because the Philistines had said, “The Hebrews must not be allowed to make swords or spears.”
¶ Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears:
Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel; for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears:
Now there was no iron-worker in all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, For fear the Hebrews make themselves swords or spears:
There wasn't a blacksmith to be found anywhere in Israel, because the Philistines had said, “So that the Hebrews don't make swords and spears.”
Then there was no smith founde throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistims sayde, Lest the Ebrewes make them swordes or speares.
And an artificer is not found in all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, 'Lest the Hebrews make sword or spear;'
Now there was no blacksmith found throughout all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, “Lest the Hebrews make themselves swords or spears”;
Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: (for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears:)
Now there was no smith to be found in all the land of Israel, for the Philistines had taken this precaution, lest the Hebrews should make them swords or spears.
At that time, there were no men in Israel who ◄were blacksmiths/could make things from iron►. The people of Philistia would not permit the Israelis to do that, because they were afraid that they would make iron swords and spears for the Hebrews to fight with.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 13:19
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 13:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/חָרָשׁ֙
לֹ֣א
יִמָּצֵ֔א
בְּ/כֹ֖ל
אֶ֣רֶץ
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
כִּֽי
אמר
אָמְר֣וּ
פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
פֶּ֚ן
יַעֲשׂ֣וּ
הָ/עִבְרִ֔ים
חֶ֖רֶב
א֥וֹ
חֲנִֽית
וְ/חָרָשׁ֙
chârâsh
H2796
artificer
Conj | N-ms
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִמָּצֵ֔א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
בְּ/כֹ֖ל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אמר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אָמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
פֶּ֚ן
pên
H6435
lest
Conj
יַעֲשׂ֣וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
הָ/עִבְרִ֔ים
ʻIbrîy
H5680
Hebrew
Art | Ngmpa
חֶ֖רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs
א֥וֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
חֲנִֽית
chănîyth
H2595
spear
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 13:19
וְ/חָרָשׁ֙
chârâsh
H2796
"artificer"
Conj | N-ms
A chârâsh was a skilled craftsman or artisan, able to work with various materials like wood or metal. This term is used in the Bible to describe carpenters, engravers, and other skilled workers.
Definition: 1) craftsman, artisan, engraver, graver, artificer 1a) graver, artificer 1b) skilful to destroy (warriors) (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: artificer, ([phrase]) carpenter, craftsman, engraver, maker, [phrase] mason, skilful, ([phrase]) smith, worker, workman, such as wrought. See also: Exodus 28:11; Ezra 3:7; Isaiah 40:19.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִמָּצֵ֔א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
בְּ/כֹ֖ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אמר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אָמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
פֶּ֚ן
pên
H6435
"lest"
Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
יַעֲשׂ֣וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
הָ/עִבְרִ֔ים
ʻIbrîy
H5680
"Hebrew"
Art | Ngmpa
Ibriy refers to a Hebrew person, a descendant of Eber, and is first mentioned in Genesis 14:13. It describes the Israelites and their ancestors, including Abraham and his family.
Definition: Someone descended from Heber (H2268)(?), first mentioned at Gen.14.13 Also named: Hebraios (Ἑβραῖος "Hebrew" G1445) § Hebrew = "one from beyond" n pr 1) a designation of the patriarchs and the Israelites adj 2) a designation of the patriarchs and the Israelites
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: Hebrew(-ess, woman). See also: Genesis 14:13; Exodus 9:1; Jeremiah 34:9.
חֶ֖רֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
א֥וֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
חֲנִֽית
chănîyth
H2595
"spear"
N-fs
This word refers to a spear or lance used for thrusting, like a tent pole. It appears in the stories of Saul and Jonathan, where they use spears in battle. The word is also used to describe a shaft or spear-head.
Definition: 1) spear 1a) spear 1a1) shaft of a spear 1a2) spear-head
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: javelin, spear. See also: 1 Samuel 13:19; 2 Samuel 21:19; Psalms 35:3.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 13:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 13:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 13:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 13:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:19
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:19
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 13:19
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 13:19
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:19
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 13:19
Context — Israel without Weapons
17And raiders went out of the Philistine camp in three divisions. One headed toward Ophrah in the land of Shual,
18another toward Beth-horon, and the third down the border road overlooking the Valley of Zeboim facing the wilderness.
19And no blacksmith could be found in all the land of Israel, because the Philistines had said, “The Hebrews must not be allowed to make swords or spears.”
20Instead, all the Israelites would go down to the Philistines to sharpen their plowshares, mattocks, axes, and sickles. 21The charge was a pim for sharpening a plowshare or mattock, a third of a shekel for sharpening a pitchfork or an axe, and a third of a shekel for repointing an oxgoad.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 24:14 | He carried into exile all Jerusalem—all the commanders and mighty men of valor, all the craftsmen and metalsmiths—ten thousand captives in all. Only the poorest people of the land remained. |
| 2 | Judges 5:8 | When they chose new gods, then war came to their gates. Not a shield or spear was found among forty thousand in Israel. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 24:1 | After Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away Jeconiah son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, as well as the officials of Judah and the craftsmen and metalsmiths from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon, the LORD showed me two baskets of figs placed in front of the temple of the LORD. |
| 4 | Isaiah 54:16 | Behold, I have created the craftsman who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its task; and I have created the destroyer to wreak havoc. |
1 Samuel 13:19 Summary
This verse, 1 Samuel 13:19, tells us that the Philistines would not allow the Israelites to have blacksmiths, which meant they couldn't make swords or spears to defend themselves. This made the Israelites very vulnerable to attack, as they had to rely on the Philistines to even sharpen their farming tools, as seen in 1 Samuel 13:20-21. It's a reminder that our spiritual enemies often try to weaken us, but we can trust in God's power and protection, just as David did when he faced Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:45-47. By trusting in God, we can overcome any challenge, just as the Israelites did when they followed God's commands in Deuteronomy 28:1-14.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were there no blacksmiths in the land of Israel?
The Philistines had forbidden the Hebrews from making swords or spears, and as a result, the profession of blacksmithing was not allowed to exist in Israel, as seen in 1 Samuel 13:19. This was a strategic move by the Philistines to maintain their power over the Israelites.
What was the impact of the Philistines' decision on the Israelites?
The Philistines' decision to prevent the Israelites from making swords or spears made them vulnerable to attack and limited their ability to defend themselves, as noted in 1 Samuel 13:19-21. This was a deliberate attempt to keep the Israelites in a state of subjugation.
Is this verse relevant to our lives today?
While we may not be facing the same physical threats as the Israelites, 1 Samuel 13:19 reminds us that our spiritual enemies often try to disarm us, just as the Philistines disarmed the Israelites. We must be mindful of the tactics of our spiritual enemies, as warned in Ephesians 6:10-18, and ensure we are equipped with the armor of God.
How did the Israelites respond to the Philistines' prohibition?
The Israelites were forced to go to the Philistines to sharpen their agricultural tools, such as plowshares and mattocks, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 13:20-21. This highlights the Israelites' dependence on their oppressors and their lack of autonomy, much like the Israelites' experience in Exodus 1:14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which our spiritual enemies try to disarm us, and how can we respond?
- How does 1 Samuel 13:19 relate to the concept of spiritual warfare, as discussed in Ephesians 6:10-18?
- What are some areas in our lives where we may be feeling 'disarmed' or vulnerable, and how can we seek God's help and protection?
- In what ways can we, like the Israelites, be tempted to compromise or rely on the world's systems rather than trusting in God's power and provision?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 13:19
Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel,.... The Philistines, when they ruled over them, having removed them into their own country, and forbid any to learn or exercise that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 13:19
Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears: Now there was no smith ... throughout ... Israel.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:19
This was a politic course of the Philistines, which also other nations have used. So the Chaldeans took away their smiths, 30:2; and Porsenna obliged the Romans by covenant, that they should use no iron but in the tillage of their lands.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:19
1 Samuel 13:19 Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make [them] swords or spears:Ver. 19. Now there was no smith found.] For the Philistines had either slain them, or carried them away, By a like wicked policy, Julian the Apostate forbade Christians the use of the liberal arts: and Antichrist, the Word of God. Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears.] See the like care of disarming, and disabling an enemy to rebel, in Judges 5:8. So Cyrus disarmed the Lydians, after that he had subdued them: and William the Conqueror the commons of England; he prevented also their night meetings with a heavy penalty, that every man at the day closing should cover his fire, and depart to his rest, &c. Justin., lib. i. Daniel’ s Hist., p. 46.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:19
(19) Now there was no smith found.—We must allow a year, perhaps two or three, to have elapsed while “Saul and Jonathan . . . abode in Gibeah,” during which period the Philistine raids went on unchecked, the Israelitish forces being too weak to venture with any hope of success into the open country. The statement respecting the destruction of the smithies probably only specially refers to the southern districts of Canaan—especially the territory of Benjamin, whence Saul and Jonathan, in the earlier years of the former’s reign, drew, no doubt, the majority of their men of war. These devastating forays are alluded to in 1 Samuel 13:17-18.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:19
Verse 19. Now there was no smith found] It is very likely that in the former wars the Philistines carried away all the smiths from Israel, as Porsenna did in the peace which he granted to the Romans, not permitting any iron to be forged except for the purposes of agriculture: "Ne ferro, nisi in agricultura, uterentur." The Chaldeans did the same to the Jews in the time of Nebuchadnezzar; they carried away all the artificers, 2Kg 24:14; Jeremiah 24:1; Jeremiah 29:2. And in the same manner did Cyrus treat the Lydians, Herod. lib. i., c. 145. See several examples in Calmet.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 13:19
19–23. The disarmament of the Israelites 19. Now there was no smith found, &c.] A signal proof of the severity of the Philistine oppression, and the difficulties against which Saul had to contend. This general disarmament clearly points to the lasting subjugation of a large district in the later years of Samuel’s judgeship and the beginning of Saul’s reign, and was not merely the temporary result of the present invasion. A similar tyranny was practised by the Canaanites before Deborah’s victory (Judges 5:8, cp. Judges 3:31); and Porsena is reported by Pliny to have prohibited the Romans from using iron except for agricultural purposes (Hist. Nat. XXXIV. 14).
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 13:19
There was no smith - This was the result of the fierce inroads described in the preceding verses, and the method adopted to make the Philistine conquests permanent.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:19
19. No smith — çøùׁ, a graver, a workman: whether in wood, stone, or metals, is usually determined by the context.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 13:19
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Church Leadership) 2. Sharpening Our Sword by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of delivering the word of God with clarity and effectiveness. He shares a personal anecdote about a preacher who would bang t |
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Glad Tidings Spring Convention A1 by David Ravenhill | David Ravenhill emphasizes the critical importance of developing an effective prayer life, sharing personal anecdotes and biblical insights to illustrate how prayer is essential fo |
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Bristol Conference 1976-16 Studies in the Judges by Bob Clark | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of serving others and the spiritual deterioration of the nation. The sermon begins with a reference to Jesus describing himself |
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You Are Loved and Accepted by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound love and acceptance that God has for His people, contrasting the harsh messages of the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah with the grace and mer |
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The Christian in Complete Armour - Part 5 by William Gurnall | William Gurnall preaches about the power and limitations of Satan as described in Ephesians 6:12. He emphasizes that Satan's power is derived, limited, and ministerial, appointed b |