1 Samuel 13:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Samuel 13:21
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.
Chapter Context
1 Samuel 13 is a biographical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of love, discipleship, hope. Written during the transition to monarchy (c. 1050-1010 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Israel transitioned from tribal confederacy to monarchy while facing Philistine military pressure.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-23: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Samuel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Samuel 13:21
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.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?