1 Samuel 13:15-23 (New International Version)
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15
Then Samuel left Gilgala and went up to Gibeah1 in Benjamin, and Saul counted the men who were with him. They numbered about six hundred.2
Israel Without Weapons
16 Saul and his son Jonathan and the men with them were staying in Gibeahb3 in Benjamin, while the Philistines camped at Micmash. 17 Raiding4 parties went out from the Philistine camp in three detachments. One turned toward Ophrah5 in the vicinity of Shual, 18 another toward Beth Horon,6 and the third toward the borderland overlooking the Valley of Zeboim7 facing the desert. 19 Not a blacksmith8 could be found in the whole land of Israel, because the Philistines had said, "Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords or spears!9" 20 So all Israel went down to the Philistines to have their plowshares, mattocks, axes and sicklesc sharpened. 21 The price was two thirds of a shekeld for sharpening plowshares and mattocks, and a third of a shekele for sharpening forks and axes and for repointing goads. 22 So on the day of the battle not a soldier with Saul and Jonathan10 had a sword or spear11 in his hand; only Saul and his son Jonathan had them.Jonathan Attacks the Philistines
23 Now a detachment of Philistines had gone out to the pass12 at Micmash.13Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online)
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