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.

1 SAMUEL 13:22KJV
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1 Samuel 13:22 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 13:22 mean?

1 Samuel 13:22 describes how, on the day of battle, none of the Israelite soldiers with Saul and Jonathan had a sword or spear—only Saul and his son Jonathan had weapons. This highlights the extreme disadvantage and vulnerability of the Israelite army compared to their enemies.

The verse is set during a crisis for Israel, when the Philistines had taken control over metalworking and left the Israelites without proper weapons. The focus is on Saul, the king, and his son Jonathan, who are the only ones equipped for battle. This detail sets up the tension and desperation of the situation, showing how outmatched the Israelites were and how much they had to rely on their leaders.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 13:22

  • "battle" (מִלְחָמָה, milchamah): This word means more than just a fight; it refers to a full-scale conflict or war. The use of this word emphasizes the seriousness of the confrontation.
  • "sword" (חֶרֶב, cherev) and "spear" (חֲנִית, chanit): These are the main weapons of ancient warfare. The verse stresses that these essential tools were missing from the hands of almost every Israelite, underlining their helplessness.
  • "found" (נִמְצָא, nimtsa): This word is used twice, showing that weapons were only "found" with Saul and Jonathan. The repetition drives home the rarity and preciousness of these weapons among the people.

Why 1 Samuel 13:22 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that the Israelites were well-armed or prepared; it shows they were almost completely defenseless, which makes their later actions more remarkable.
  • The emphasis on Saul and Jonathan as the only armed men highlights their leadership and the unique pressure on them in this crisis.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain the broader narrative of 1 Samuel 13–14, where Jonathan’s bravery stands out even more because of the lack of resources.

Where else these words appear

“Jonathan” Hebrew H3129 · used in 35 verses

  • 1 Samuel 13:2 Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent.
  • 1 Samuel 14:27 But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.
  • 1 Kings 1:42 And while he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonijah said unto him, Come in; for thou art a valiant man, and bringest good tidings.

“spear” Hebrew H2595 · used in 40 verses

  • 1 Samuel 13:19 Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears:
  • 1 Samuel 26:11 The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:23 And he slew an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits high; and in the Egyptian's hand was a spear like a weaver's beam; and he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear.