1 Samuel 13:20

Easy To Read Version

Only the Philistines could sharpen iron tools. So if the Israelites needed to sharpen their plows, hoes, axes or sickles, they had to go to the Philistines.

Cross References

2 Chronicles 34:6

Josiah did the same for the towns in the areas of Manasseh, Ephraim, Simeon, and all the way to Naphtali. He did the same for the ruins near all those towns. {\cf2\super [425]}

Proverbs 27:17

People use pieces of iron to sharpen iron knives. In the same way, people learn from other people, making each other sharp.

Deuteronomy 32:41

I swear (promise), I will sharpen my flashing sword. I will use it to punish my enemies. I will give them the punishment they deserve.

1 Samuel 13:19

None of the people of Israel could make things from iron. There weren’t any blacksmiths [121] in Israel. The Philistines did not teach the Israelites how to make things from iron because the Philistines were afraid the Israelites would make iron swords and spears.

1 Samuel 13:21

The Philistine blacksmiths charged 1/3 ounce [122] {of silver} for sharpening plows and hoes. And they charged 1/6 ounce [123] {of silver} for sharpening picks, axes and the iron tip on oxgoads. [124]