1 Samuel 13:20

Good News Translation

The Israelites had to go to the Philistines to get their plows, hoes, axes, and sickles sharpened;

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He did the same thing in the cities and the devastated areas of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Simeon, and as far north as Naphtali.

People learn from one another, just as iron sharpens iron.

that I will sharpen my flashing sword and see that justice is done. I will take revenge on my enemies and punish those who hate me.

There were no blacksmiths in Israel because the Philistines were determined to keep the Hebrews from making swords and spears. (

the charge was one small coin for sharpening axes and for fixing goads, and two coins for sharpening plows or hoes.)