Bible study online

1 Samuel 13:19

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

1 Samuel 13:19

Verse 19 of 23

Scripture focus

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

1 Samuel 13:19 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:19

Theological / Devotional

No smith. It seems that for a time the Philistines enjoyed practically a monopoly in Canaan on the fabrication of iron and possibly other metals. At this time the iron used in Palestine came from Asia Minor, and was imported through the coastal cities. These, of course, were under the control of the Philistines. Thus it was relatively easy for them to enforce what was, from their point of view, a wise policy by which to keep the Hebrews disarmed.

By SdaBc