Bible Dictionary
Smith
A smith was a worker skilled in shaping metal, especially for weapons and tools. The Philistines restricted smithing among the Israelites to prevent them from making swords and spears.
Definition
A smith is a worker skilled in shaping metal, including the making of swords and spears.
Biblical Usage
The Philistines prevented the Hebrews from having smiths in the days of Samuel, fearing that they would manufacture weapons.
Historical Background
The restriction was intended to weaken Israel’s military capacity and help the Philistines make their conquest permanent.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The Hebrews were not permitted by the Philistines in the days of Samuel to have a smith amongst them, lest they should make them swords and spears (1 Sam. 13:19). Thus the Philistines sought to make their conquest permanent (comp. 2 Kings 24:16).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
[Handicraft]
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>smith.</p><p>See CRAFTS, 10; TUBAL-CAIN.</p>