1 Samuel 13:19

“Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel, etc.] The Philistines, when they ruled over them, having removed them into their own country, and forbid any to learn or exercise that trade in Israel: for the Philistines said, lest the Hebrews make swords or spears: this they did to prevent their having arms, and the use of them, that they might not rebel against them, and fight with them, and overcome them; it was a piece of policy to keep them subject to them; so Nebuchadnezzar, when he conquered the Jews and carried them captive, took care particularly to carry away their smiths, and left none but the poorest sort of people in the land, (<122414>2 Kings 24:14…”

“Now there was no smith found throughout . . . Israel--The country was in the lowest state of depression and degradation. The Philistines, after the great victory over the sons of Eli, had become the virtual masters of the land. Their policy in disarming the natives has been often followed in the East. For repairing any serious damage to their agricultural implements, they had to apply to the neighboring forts.”

“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. return to 'Top of Page'”

“13:19-22 no blacksmiths: The Philistines kept the Israelites unarmed by gaining a monopoly on the iron necessary to make weapons. Iron technology had not existed long in Canaan; it might have developed in the Aegean area, and metalworking skills were possibly introduced into Canaan through seafaring peoples, including the Philistines.”

“there was no: It is probable that the Philistines in the former wars had carried away all the smiths from Israel. Jdg 5:8; Kg2 24:14; Isa 54:16; Jer 24:1 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 13:21”