1 Samuel 13:21
Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads.
Original Language Analysis
וְֽהָיְתָ֞ה
H1961
וְֽהָיְתָ֞ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
פִ֗ים
H6310
פִ֗ים
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
3 of 10
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
וְלִשְׁלֹ֥שׁ
and for the forks
H7969
וְלִשְׁלֹ֥שׁ
and for the forks
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
6 of 10
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
Historical Context
The pim weight has been confirmed by archaeological discoveries. This verse provides rare biblical insight into ancient Near Eastern economic practices. The Philistines extracted maximum profit from their technological advantage, creating systematic exploitation.
Questions for Reflection
- How do systems of oppression extract economic benefit at every level of society?
- What modern parallels exist to this kind of exploitative technological dependence?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads.
The specific pricing mentioned - 'a pim for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks' - documents the economic exploitation accompanying technological dependence. A pim (about two-thirds of a shekel) represented significant expense for simple sharpening. Philistine control allowed monopoly pricing that further impoverished Israel. The detailed economic information demonstrates how thoroughly oppression affects every aspect of daily life, from warfare down to routine farm maintenance.