1 Samuel 13:19

Authorized 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:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְחָרָשׁ֙

H2796

Now there was no smith

a fabricator or any material

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִמָּצֵ֔א

H4672

found

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

בְּכֹ֖ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֶ֣רֶץ

H776

throughout all the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אָֽמְר֣

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים

H6430

for the Philistines

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

#10

פֶּ֚ן

H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

#11

יַֽעֲשׂ֣וּ

H6213

make

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#12

הָֽעִבְרִ֔ים

H5680

Lest the Hebrews

an eberite (i.e., hebrew) or descendant of eber

#13

חֶ֖רֶב

H2719

them swords

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

#14

א֥וֹ

H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

#15

חֲנִֽית׃

H2595

or spears

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Samuel chapter 13 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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