1 Samuel 13:19

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.”

Majority Standard Bible

In The King James Version

Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears:

In Context

18another toward Beth-horon, and the third down the border road overlooking the Valley of Zeboim facing the wilderness.

20Instead, all the Israelites would go down to the Philistines to sharpen their plowshares, mattocks, axes, and sickles.

Read all of 1 Samuel 13

Cross References

Judges 5:8When they chose new gods, then war came to their gates. Not a shield or spear was found among forty thousand in Israel.

Isaiah 54:16Behold, 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.

Matthew Henry on 1 Samuel 13:16-23

The Israelites' Low Condition. ( b. c. 1067.) 15 And Samuel arose, and gat him up from Gilgal unto Gibeah of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the people that were present with him, about six hundred men. 16 And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people that were present with them, abode in Gibeah of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash. 17 And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned unto the way that leadeth to Ophrah, unto the land of Shual: 18 And… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study 1 Samuel 13:19