1 Samuel 13:20
But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּֽרְד֥וּ
went down
H3381
וַיֵּֽרְד֥וּ
went down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
1 of 14
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
But all the Israelites
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
But all the Israelites
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 14
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים
to the Philistines
H6430
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים
to the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
4 of 14
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
לִ֠לְטוֹשׁ
to sharpen
H3913
לִ֠לְטוֹשׁ
to sharpen
Strong's:
H3913
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, to hammer out (an edge), i.e., to sharpen
אִ֣ישׁ
every man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
every man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
6 of 14
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Agricultural implements listed - plowshares, mattocks, axes, and sickles - were essential for food production. Without independent means of producing and maintaining these tools, Israel's economy was completely vulnerable. This economic stranglehold was more effective than military occupation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does economic dependence on hostile powers affect freedom and faithfulness?
- What forms of dependency on ungodly systems compromise believers' ability to serve God freely?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock.
The practical result of Philistine iron monopoly forced 'all the Israelites' to go 'down to the Philistines' even for basic agricultural tools. This humiliating dependence for 'share, and coulter, and axe, and mattock' meant Israelites could not even maintain their farming equipment without Philistine permission. The descent 'down' to the Philistines symbolizes Israel's subordinate status. Economic dependence preceded military dominance; controlling basic necessities enables control of everything else.