(17) And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned unto the way that leadeth to Ophrah, unto the land of Shual: (18) And another company turned the way to Bethhoron: and another company turned to the way of the border that looketh to the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness. (19) Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of 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 share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock. (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. (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 that were with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found. (23) And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash.
Nothing can demonstrate more fully the low and impoverished state of Israel, than what is here said of the ravages of the enemy, and their being destitute of even the common weapons of defence. It should seem, from their having no smith in all the territories of Israel, that the policy of the Philistines in times past, (probably in the wars when they had been victorious over Israel) had compelled them not to exercise this art among them. And, as while they were at peace, the Israelites found the Philistines not unwilling to sharpen or repair their instruments of husbandry, the Israelites did not trouble themselves to keep in order their weapons of war. Indeed, while the Lord was their King, and humbled the nations before them, they needed none. But now, when they have by sin, made God their enemy, to what a humbled state are they reduced, before their foes! No weapon (God saith) formed against his people, shall prosper. But when his people transgress against him, he can make our very blessings become weapons of evil, and convert our comforts into the artillery of his displeasure. See Isaiah 54:17. Compared with Deuteronomy 28:1-25.