Translations
Modern
So on the day of battle not a sword or spear could be found in the hands of the troops with Saul and Jonathan; only Saul and his son Jonathan had weapons.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And it came to pass on the day of battle that there was found not a sword or spear in the hand of any of the people who were with Saul and Jonathan. And one was found for Saul and for Jonathan his son.
Latin
Cumque venisset dies prælii, non est inventus ensis et lancea in manu totius populi qui erat cum Saule et Jonatha, excepto Saul et Jonatha filio ejus.
Original
Hebrew
English
So on the day of battle not a sword or spear could be found in the hands of the troops with Saul and Jonathan; only Saul and his son Jonathan had weapons.
Notes
no blacksmith: The Philistines prevented the Israelites from having weapons by controlling all the iron needed to make them. Iron technology was new in Canaan. It likely developed in the Aegean region and was brought to Canaan by seafaring people, like the Philistines.
Theme notes and profiles
Events
People
Jonathan: Eldest son of King Saul and friend of David Saul: First king of Israel, anointed by Samuel
Glossary
Bethel (Place), Bethelite Minerals and Metals Philistia, Philistines Samuel, Books of First and Second Saul Sword
Topics
Military Arms of Conquered Nations Taken Away to Prevent Rebellion Spear: The Israelites: Ill Provided With, in the Times of Deborah and Saul The Philistines: Invaded the Land of Israel with a Great Army