Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel; for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears:
"There was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people"  (1 Samuel 13:22).  After making due allowance for the hyperbolic nature of this statement, it is still clear enough that one could hardly imagine a worse situation, from the military standpoint, than that which confronted Israel at this time.  The inspired writer is here evidently preparing us to see the truly miraculous nature of the great victory that soon developed.