The Philistine Economic Control

15

Samuel arose, and went from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin. Saul numbered the people who were present with him, about six hundred men.

16

Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people who were present with them, stayed in Geba of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash.

17

The raiders came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned to the way that leads to Ophrah, to the land of Shual;

18

and another company turned the way to Beth Horon; and another company turned the way of the border that looks down on the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness.

19

Now there was no smith found throughout all Eretz-Israel; for the Philistines said, “Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears”;

20

but all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his plowshare, mattock, ax, and sickle;

21

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

22

So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people who were with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found.

23

The garrison of the Philistines went out to the pass of Michmash.

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