1 Samuel 13:22
So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that were with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָה֙
H1961
וְהָיָה֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 19
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בְּי֣וֹם
So it came to pass in the day
H3117
בְּי֣וֹם
So it came to pass in the day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 19
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
מִלְחֶ֔מֶת
of battle
H4421
מִלְחֶ֔מֶת
of battle
Strong's:
H4421
Word #:
3 of 19
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
וְלֹ֨א
H3808
וְלֹ֨א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וַתִּמָּצֵ֣א
found
H4672
וַתִּמָּצֵ֣א
found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
5 of 19
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
חֶ֤רֶב
that there was neither sword
H2719
חֶ֤רֶב
that there was neither sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
6 of 19
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
בְּיַ֣ד
in the hand
H3027
בְּיַ֣ד
in the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
8 of 19
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֔ם
of any of the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
of any of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
10 of 19
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
לְשָׁא֔וּל
but with Saul
H7586
לְשָׁא֔וּל
but with Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
13 of 19
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַתִּמָּצֵ֣א
found
H4672
וַתִּמָּצֵ֣א
found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
16 of 19
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
לְשָׁא֔וּל
but with Saul
H7586
לְשָׁא֔וּל
but with Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
17 of 19
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
Historical Context
The contrast between Israelite and Philistine armament was extreme. Philistines possessed iron weapons, chariots, and professional soldiers. Israel had agricultural implements as improvised weapons and only two actual swords. Humanly speaking, victory was impossible.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God often arrange circumstances so that His power alone can receive credit?
- When have you seen God work through completely inadequate human resources?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that were with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found.
The military implication is stark: 'in the day of battle, there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people.' Only Saul and Jonathan possessed proper weapons. This impossible military situation - an essentially unarmed force against iron-equipped Philistines - sets the stage for God's dramatic deliverance in chapter 14. Human resources are deliberately shown to be inadequate so that divine power receives full credit. The pattern recalls Gideon's reduced army and foreshadows many biblical deliverances.