1 Samuel 13:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yet they had a file {H6477}{H6310} for the mattocks {H4281}, and for the coulters {H855}, and for the forks {H7969}{H7053}, and for the axes {H7134}, and to sharpen {H5324} the goads {H1861}.

Complete Jewish Bible

where the exorbitant prices were two-thirds of a shekel for filing a pick or plowshare and one-third of a shekel for filing an axe or setting an oxgoad in its handle.

Berean Standard Bible

The charge was a pim for sharpening a plowshare or mattock, a third of a shekel for sharpening a pitchfork or an axe, and a third of a shekel for repointing an oxgoad.

American Standard Version

yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to set the goads.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 13:21 offers a profound and poignant glimpse into Israel's severe economic and military subjugation under Philistine rule during the early reign of King Saul. This verse meticulously lists common agricultural implements—mattocks, coulters, forks, axes, and goads—that required sharpening, vividly illustrating the Philistine monopoly over vital ironworking and metal tool production. It powerfully underscores Israel's complete dependence on their oppressors for even the most basic necessities of farming and daily life, thereby highlighting their strategic vulnerability and the oppressive nature of Philistine control.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a pivotal narrative segment detailing the nascent challenges of Saul's kingship and his initial confrontation with the formidable Philistines. Immediately preceding [1 Samuel 13:21](/1_samuel/13-21 "1 Samuel 13:21 - Philistine Iron Monopoly") are [1 Samuel 13:19-20](/1_samuel/13-19-20 "1 Samuel 13:19-20 - No Smith in Israel"), which explicitly articulate the Philistine policy designed to disarm Israel: "Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears: But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter." Verse 21 then serves as a concrete, illustrative inventory, demonstrating the specific tools that necessitated Philistine service, thus making the abstract policy tangible. Following this, [1 Samuel 13:22](/1_samuel/13-22 "1 Samuel 13:22 - Lack of Weapons in Israel") emphasizes the dire military consequence, noting 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." Therefore, [1 Samuel 13:21](/1_samuel/13-21 "1 Samuel 13:21 - Philistine Iron Monopoly") functions as a crucial narrative link, revealing the economic mechanism by which the Philistines maintained their overwhelming military dominance over Israel.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical period described in 1 Samuel corresponds to the Iron Age I and II, a transformative era marked by the widespread adoption of iron technology. The Philistines, believed to have originated from the Aegean Sea region (often identified with the "Sea Peoples"), were technologically advanced, having mastered iron smelting and smithing techniques. This mastery afforded them a significant military and economic advantage over the Israelites, who were still largely transitioning from the Bronze Age. By monopolizing access to iron production and skilled smiths, the Philistines implemented a deliberate and effective policy to disarm and debilitate the Israelite population. This control extended beyond merely sharpening tools; it was a comprehensive strategy to prevent the Israelites from forging their own weapons, repairing critical equipment independently, or developing a self-sufficient metal industry. This strategic stranglehold ensured Israel's subservience, stifled any large-scale rebellion, and forced them into a state of perpetual dependency and vulnerability, particularly in the fertile central highlands where agricultural tools were indispensable for survival.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 13:21](/1_samuel/13-21 "1 Samuel 13:21 - Philistine Iron Monopoly") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it starkly highlights the theme of **economic and military subjugation**, demonstrating how an oppressive power can maintain control not only through overt force but also through the monopolization of essential resources and advanced technologies. This technological and economic control effectively ensured Israel's continued weakness and prevented them from asserting true sovereignty, standing in stark contrast to God's covenantal promise of a land where Israel would dwell securely and freely. Secondly, the verse vividly underscores **Israel's profound dependence** on their enemies for fundamental services, illustrating their oppressed state and acute lack of self-sufficiency. This forced dependency served as a constant, humiliating reminder of their precarious position and the urgent need for divine intervention. Lastly, it emphasizes the **strategic military disadvantage** Israel faced. While Philistine warriors were equipped with superior iron weaponry, Israel's army was notoriously poorly armed, a situation explicitly detailed in [1 Samuel 13:22](/1_samuel/13-22 "1 Samuel 13:22 - Lack of Weapons in Israel"). This technological disparity sets the stage for understanding the often miraculous nature of God's deliverance, which is frequently achieved not through human might or superior weaponry, but through His own sovereign power and chosen instruments, as dramatically illustrated by David's later, seemingly impossible victory over Goliath in [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mattocks (Hebrew, _machărêshâh'_):** (H4281) Derived from a root meaning "to plow" or "to engrave," this term refers to a pick-axe or digging implement. Its inclusion in the list signifies a fundamental agricultural tool used for breaking up hard ground, tilling, and preparing fields for planting. The Philistine control over the maintenance of such basic tools meant that even the foundational act of farming, essential for survival, was subject to their oversight and economic exploitation.
* **Sharpen (Hebrew, _nâtsab'_):** (H5324) This primitive root means "to station," "to set up," or "to establish," but in the Hiphil stem (causative) and in this context, it takes on the meaning of "to sharpen" or "to make stand upright" (i.e., making an edge stand keen). The need to "sharpen" these tools highlights their constant use and the necessity of maintaining their effectiveness for agricultural labor. The Philistine monopoly on this process was not just about making an edge keen, but about controlling the entire skilled process of metalworking that ensured tools remained functional and durable.
* **Goads (Hebrew, _dorbôwn'_):** (H1861) Of uncertain derivation, this word refers to a long stick with a pointed or spiked end, used by farmers to prod and guide oxen while plowing or working. The goad was an indispensable tool for controlling draft animals, crucial for efficient agriculture. Its inclusion in the list further emphasizes the pervasive nature of Philistine control, extending even to the simple implements necessary for managing livestock and ensuring agricultural productivity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yet they had a file":** This opening phrase introduces a nuance, suggesting a limited allowance or a slight exception within the broader context of severe Philistine control. It implies that the Israelites might have possessed a basic, rudimentary sharpening tool, likely for minor touch-ups or temporary maintenance. However, as the preceding verses (1 Samuel 13:19-20) make clear, this "file" was insufficient for the comprehensive and skilled work of a blacksmith, such as re-forging, re-tempering, or major repairs that required a forge and advanced metalworking techniques. Thus, it did not grant them true independence in metalworking.
* **"for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads":** This detailed and comprehensive enumeration serves as an inventory of the essential agricultural tools that required regular sharpening and maintenance. Each item represents a crucial aspect of daily life and farming in ancient Israel. "Mattocks" were digging implements, "coulters" were the cutting blades of plows, "forks" were likely agricultural implements for turning soil or handling crops, "axes" for felling timber and preparing wood, and "goads" for guiding oxen. The exhaustive nature of this list underscores that the Philistine monopoly extended to virtually every metal tool necessary for the Israelite economy, vividly illustrating their complete economic vulnerability and the strategic disadvantage they faced.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Samuel 13:21](/1_samuel/13-21 "1 Samuel 13:21 - Philistine Iron Monopoly") is **Enumeration** or **Listing**. The detailed cataloging of "mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads" serves to powerfully emphasize the pervasive and comprehensive nature of the Philistine control over Israelite daily life and economy. This specific listing transforms the abstract concept of "no smith in Israel" into a concrete and relatable reality, showing the tangible, burdensome impact on every farmer and household. There is also a subtle but potent element of **Irony** present: a nation chosen by God to be sovereign in their own land, promised prosperity and independence, is reduced to humiliating dependence on their oppressors for the most basic implements of survival. This situation subtly highlights the **Symbolism** of the tools themselves, which represent not just agricultural implements but also Israel's overall state of impotence, subjugation, and lack of self-determination, unable to forge their own destiny or defend themselves without external, hostile assistance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The dire situation depicted in [1 Samuel 13:21](/1_samuel/13-21 "1 Samuel 13:21 - Philistine Iron Monopoly"), where Israel is disarmed and dependent on their enemies for basic tools, serves as a profound theological commentary on the consequences of disobedience and the nature of divine sovereignty. It illustrates how a nation that strays from full reliance on God can find itself in a state of vulnerability and oppression, fulfilling the warnings of the Deuteronomic covenant. Yet, even in this state of profound weakness, God's ultimate plan for His people persists. The lack of human means and military might sets the stage for God to demonstrate His power, not through Israel's technological superiority or military strength, but through unexpected victories that magnify His name alone. This passage underscores that true security, prosperity, and freedom come from divine favor and obedience, not from self-sufficiency or worldly strength.

* [Deuteronomy 28:48](/deuteronomy/28-48 "Deuteronomy 28:48 - Serving Enemies in Hunger")
* [Judges 5:8](/judges/5-8 "Judges 5:8 - No Shield or Spear Seen")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The historical account of Israel's forced dependence on the Philistines for basic tools in [1 Samuel 13:21](/1_samuel/13-21 "1 Samuel 13:21 - Philistine Iron Monopoly") offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. In a world that often values self-reliance, technological advancement, and economic independence as ultimate measures of success and security, this passage serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of strategic dependencies—not just on human systems, but on anything that inadvertently supplants our ultimate reliance on God. Just as Israel's lack of ironworking skills and access to smiths left them vulnerable and subservient, so too can our spiritual lives become compromised when we depend more on worldly resources, human wisdom, or personal strength than on the Lord's divine provision and guidance. This passage calls us to a posture of spiritual self-examination, prompting us to identify areas where we might be inadvertently ceding "control" to external forces, cultural idols, or our own limited abilities, thereby hindering our spiritual freedom and effectiveness. It encourages a posture of humility and radical trust, recognizing that true strength, abundant provision, and ultimate victory come from God alone. Even in states of apparent weakness, disadvantage, or resource limitation, He is able to work powerfully for those who trust Him. Our resourcefulness in adversity should be rooted in unwavering faith, knowing that God can equip us and enable us to thrive even when circumstances seem to limit our "tools" or "resources."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life—spiritual, emotional, practical, or financial—do I find myself excessively dependent on external systems or resources rather than God's unfailing provision?**
* **How might a lack of "spiritual tools" (e.g., prayer, Scripture, community) or an over-reliance on worldly "sharpening services" (e.g., self-help, human approval) hinder my effectiveness in God's kingdom?**
* **What concrete steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more consistent reliance on God's strength, wisdom, and provision, especially when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges or disadvantages?**
* **How does God's consistent ability to work powerfully through weakness and perceived inadequacy, as vividly seen in Israel's situation, encourage and empower me in my own areas of perceived limitation or brokenness?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Philistines specifically control ironworking and tool sharpening?**

Answer: The Philistines maintained this monopoly as a deliberate, highly effective, and multi-faceted strategy to ensure Israel's subjugation and prevent any significant rebellion. By controlling access to advanced iron technology and skilled smiths, they achieved several critical objectives: Firstly, they prevented the Israelites from forging their own weapons (swords and spears, as explicitly noted in [1 Samuel 13:19](/1_samuel/13-19 "1 Samuel 13:19 - Philistine Monopoly on Smiths")), thereby disarming them militarily and severely limiting their capacity for organized resistance. Secondly, they created an economic dependency, forcing Israelites to pay the Philistines for essential agricultural tool maintenance. This not only extracted wealth from the Israelite economy but also maintained a constant leverage over their daily lives and means of subsistence. This comprehensive control was a cornerstone of their oppressive rule, ensuring Israel remained weak, economically exploited, and unable to challenge Philistine dominance.

**If the Israelites had a "file," why did they still need to go to the Philistines for sharpening?**

Answer: The mention of a "file" (פְּצִירָה, *p'tzirah*) suggests that the Israelites might have possessed a basic, rudimentary tool for minor, superficial sharpening or temporary maintenance of their implements. However, a simple file is fundamentally insufficient for the comprehensive and skilled work of a blacksmith. Metal tools, especially those used in demanding agricultural tasks like plowshares, axes, and mattocks, require periodic re-forging, re-tempering, and major repairs that involve heating the metal in a forge to high temperatures and skilled hammering to reshape and strengthen the blade. The Philistines' monopoly wasn't merely on basic sharpening, but on the entire, complex process of iron production, skilled smithing, and the advanced labor required for proper tool fabrication, durable maintenance, and significant repair. Therefore, while a file might offer a temporary, superficial edge, it did not negate the fundamental and critical need for Philistine smiths for true and lasting repair, re-forging, or expert sharpening, vividly highlighting the depth of Israel's technological and economic disadvantage as described in [1 Samuel 13:19-20](/1_samuel/13-19-20 "1 Samuel 13:19-20 - No Smith in Israel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The vivid depiction of Israel's weakness and profound dependence on their Philistine oppressors for basic tools in [1 Samuel 13:21](/1_samuel/13-21 "1 Samuel 13:21 - Philistine Iron Monopoly") finds a rich and profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Israel's inability to forge their own weapons or even maintain their agricultural implements without external, hostile assistance powerfully foreshadows humanity's utter inability to save itself from the bondage of sin and death. Just as Israel lacked the "smith" and the "iron" for self-sufficiency, so too are we spiritually disarmed and utterly dependent, unable to forge our own righteousness, overcome the spiritual enemies of sin, Satan, and death, or secure our own salvation. This desperate need points directly to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate "Divine Smith" and "Equipper" for His people. He does not merely sharpen our dull tools; He transforms us, forging new hearts and minds through His atoning sacrifice on the cross. His decisive victory over sin and death was achieved not through worldly might or superior weaponry, but through apparent weakness and vulnerability, as described in [2 Corinthians 13:4](/2_corinthians/13-4 "2 Corinthians 13:4 - Christ Crucified in Weakness"). Through Christ, we are provided with the complete spiritual "armor of God" ([Ephesians 6:10-17](/ephesians/6-10-17 "Ephesians 6:10-17 - The Armor of God")), equipping us for spiritual warfare against principalities and powers, a stark contrast to Israel's material disarmament. Our dependence is now perfectly placed in Him, the one who disarmed the powers and authorities on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ Disarmed the Powers")), ensuring that our true strength, victory, and eternal provision come solely from Him, the true source of all power and salvation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.