1 Samuel 13:19
New International Version
Not a blacksmith could be found in the whole land of Israel, because the Philistines had said, “Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords or spears!”

New Living Translation
There were no blacksmiths in the land of Israel in those days. The Philistines wouldn’t allow them for fear they would make swords and spears for the Hebrews.

English Standard Version
Now there was no blacksmith to be found throughout all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, “Lest the Hebrews make themselves swords or spears.”

Berean Standard Bible
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.”

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

New King James Version
Now there was no blacksmith to be found throughout all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, “Lest the Hebrews make swords or spears.”

New American Standard Bible
Now no blacksmith could be found in all the land of Israel, because the Philistines said, “Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords or spears.”

NASB 1995
Now no blacksmith could be found in all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, “Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords or spears.”

NASB 1977
Now no blacksmith could be found in all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, “Lest the Hebrews make swords or spears.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Now no blacksmith could be found in all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, “Lest the Hebrews make swords or spears.”

Amplified Bible
Now no blacksmith (metal-worker) could be found in all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, “Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords or spears.”

Christian Standard Bible
No blacksmith could be found in all the land of Israel because the Philistines had said, “Otherwise, the Hebrews will make swords or spears.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
No blacksmith could be found in all the land of Israel, because the Philistines had said, “Otherwise, the Hebrews will make swords or spears.”

American Standard 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:

Contemporary English Version
The Philistines would not allow any Israelites to learn how to make iron tools. "If we allowed that," they said, "those worthless Israelites would make swords and spears."

English Revised 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:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
No blacksmith could be found in the entire land of Israel. In this way the Philistines kept the Hebrews from making swords and spears.

Good News Translation
There were no blacksmiths in Israel because the Philistines were determined to keep the Hebrews from making swords and spears. (

International Standard Version
No blacksmith could be found in all the land of Israel because the Philistines thought, "This will keep the Hebrews from making swords or spears."

Majority Standard Bible
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.”

NET Bible
A blacksmith could not be found in all the land of Israel, for the Philistines had said, "This will prevent the Hebrews from making swords and spears."

New Heart English Bible
Now there was no blacksmith found throughout all the land of Israel; for the Philistines had said, "Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords or spears."

Webster's Bible Translation
Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: (for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears:)

World English Bible
Now there was no blacksmith found throughout all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, “Lest the Hebrews make themselves swords or spears”;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And a craftsman is not found in all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, “Lest the Hebrews make sword or spear”;

Young's Literal Translation
And an artificer is not found in all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, 'Lest the Hebrews make sword or spear;'

Smith's Literal Translation
And an artificer will not be found in all the land of Israel: (for the rovers said, Lest the Hebrews shall make a sword or spear:)
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now there was no worker of iron to be found in all the land of Israel. For the Philistines had been cautious, lest perhaps the Hebrews might make swords or spears.

New American Bible
Not a single smith was to be found anywhere in Israel, for the Philistines had said, “Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords or spears.”

New Revised Standard Version
Now there was no smith to be found throughout all the land of Israel; for the Philistines said, “The Hebrews must not make swords or spears for themselves”;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel; for the Philistines said, We do not want the Hebrews to make swords and spears;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And a Craftsmen was not found in all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said: “The Hebrews shall not make swords and spears”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel; for the Philistines said: 'Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears';

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And there was not found a smith in all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make themselves sword or spear.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Israel Without Weapons
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.…

Cross References
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.

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 Kings 24:16
The king of Babylon also brought into exile to Babylon all seven thousand men of valor and a thousand craftsmen and metalsmiths—all strong and fit for battle.

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.

Jeremiah 29:2
(This was after King Jeconiah, the queen mother, the court officials, the officials of Judah and Jerusalem, the craftsmen, and the metalsmiths had been exiled from Jerusalem.)

2 Chronicles 36:10
In the spring, King Nebuchadnezzar summoned Jehoiachin and brought him to Babylon, along with the articles of value from the house of the LORD. And he made Jehoiachin’s relative Zedekiah king over Judah and Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 36:20
Those who escaped the sword were carried by Nebuchadnezzar into exile in Babylon, and they became servants to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power.

Isaiah 3:1-3
For behold, the Lord GOD of Hosts is about to remove from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support: the whole supply of food and water, / the mighty man and the warrior, the judge and the prophet, the soothsayer and the elder, / the commander of fifty and the dignitary, the counselor, the cunning magician, and the clever enchanter.

Isaiah 33:8
The highways are deserted; travel has ceased. The treaty has been broken, the witnesses are despised, and human life is disregarded.

Ezekiel 17:13-14
He took a member of the royal family and made a covenant with him, putting him under oath. Then he carried away the leading men of the land, / so that the kingdom would be brought low, unable to lift itself up, surviving only by keeping his covenant.

Hosea 10:13
You have plowed wickedness and reaped injustice; you have eaten the fruit of lies. Because you have trusted in your own way and in the multitude of your mighty men,

Matthew 26:52
“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.

Luke 22:36
“Now, however,” He told them, “the one with a purse should take it, and likewise a bag; and the one without a sword should sell his cloak and buy one.

John 18:11
“Put your sword back in its sheath!” Jesus said to Peter. “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?”

Acts 7:54
On hearing this, the members of the Sanhedrin were enraged, and they gnashed their teeth at him.


Treasury of Scripture

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

Judges 5:8
They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?

2 Kings 24:14
And he carried away all Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the mighty men of valour, even ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and smiths: none remained, save the poorest sort of the people of the land.

Isaiah 54:16
Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.

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Blacksmith Hebrews Iron-Worker Israel Otherwise Philistines Smith Spear Spears Sword Swords Themselves Throughout Whole
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Blacksmith Hebrews Iron-Worker Israel Otherwise Philistines Smith Spear Spears Sword Swords Themselves Throughout Whole
1 Samuel 13
1. Saul's select band
3. He calls the Hebrews to Gilgal against the Philistines
5. The Philistines' great army
6. The distress of the Israelites
8. Saul, weary of staying for Samuel, sacrifices
11. Samuel reproves him
17. The three raiding parties of the Philistines
19. The policy of the Philistines, to allow no blacksmith in Israel














Now there was no blacksmith
The absence of a blacksmith in Israel highlights a significant strategic disadvantage. In ancient times, blacksmiths were crucial for crafting weapons and tools. The Hebrew word for blacksmith, "חָרָשׁ" (charash), implies a craftsman or artisan. This absence underscores the Philistines' control over Israel, as they sought to prevent the Israelites from arming themselves. This situation reflects the broader theme of Israel's dependence on God for deliverance, as they were unable to rely on their own military strength.

to be found throughout all the land of Israel
The phrase emphasizes the totality of the Philistines' control. The Hebrew word for "found," "נִמְצָא" (nimtza), suggests something that is discovered or present. The complete lack of blacksmiths across the entire land indicates a systematic effort by the Philistines to suppress Israel's ability to defend itself. This situation serves as a reminder of the consequences of Israel's disobedience to God, which often led to oppression by surrounding nations.

because the Philistines had said
The Philistines' statement reveals their strategic intent. The Philistines were a dominant force in the region, known for their advanced ironworking technology. By controlling the production of weapons, they maintained military superiority over Israel. This phrase highlights the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines, a recurring theme in the books of Samuel, where the Philistines often serve as a tool of God's discipline for Israel.

The Hebrews must not be allowed to make swords or spears
This prohibition underscores the Philistines' desire to keep the Israelites subjugated. The terms "swords" and "spears" represent the primary weapons of warfare, essential for any nation's defense. The Hebrew word for "sword," "חֶרֶב" (cherev), and "spear," "חֲנִית" (chanit), are often used in the Old Testament to symbolize military power and might. The Philistines' restriction reflects their fear of an armed and potentially rebellious Israel. This situation sets the stage for God's intervention, as He often uses the weak and unarmed to achieve His purposes, demonstrating His power and sovereignty.

(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 1Samuel 13:17-18.

Verse 19. - There was no smith. This accounts for the contemptuous disregard of Saul by the Philistines. The people were disarmed, and resistance impossible. Apparently this policy had been long followed; but we need fuller information of what had happened between Samuel's victory at Mizpah and Saul's appointment as king, to enable us to understand the evident weakness of Israel at this time. But probably this description applies fully only to the districts of Benjamin, near the Philistines, The people further away had arms with which they defeated the Ammonites, and Saul and his men would have secured all the weapons which the enemy then threw away. But evidently no manufacture of weapons was allowed, and no one as far as possible permitted either to wear or possess arms.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And no
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

blacksmith
וְחָרָשׁ֙ (wə·ḥā·rāš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2796: A fabricator, any material

could be found
יִמָּצֵ֔א (yim·mā·ṣê)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present

in all
בְּכֹ֖ל (bə·ḵōl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the land
אֶ֣רֶץ (’e·reṣ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

of Israel,
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

because
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the Philistines
פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים (p̄ə·liš·tîm)
Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia

had said,
אָמְר֣וּ‪‬ (’ā·mə·rū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“The Hebrews
הָעִבְרִ֔ים (hā·‘iḇ·rîm)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 5680: Hebrews -- perhaps descendant of Eber, also another name for an Israelite

must not be allowed
פֶּ֚ן (pen)
Conjunction
Strong's 6435: Removal, lest

to make
יַעֲשׂ֣וּ (ya·‘ă·śū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6213: To do, make

swords
חֶ֖רֶב (ḥe·reḇ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword

or
א֥וֹ (’ōw)
Conjunction
Strong's 176: Desire, if

spears.”
חֲנִֽית׃ (ḥă·nîṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2595: A lance


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OT History: 1 Samuel 13:19 Now there was no smith found throughout (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 13:18
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