Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears:
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Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Gill's Exposition
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…
Barnes' Notes
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.
Adam Clarke
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…
Here, 1. Samuel departs in displeasure. Saul has set up for himself, and now he is left to himself: Samuel gat him from Gilgal (Sa1 13:15), and it does not appear that he either prayed with Saul or…
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…
Cross References
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