Definition: But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 13:20. It's a really important passage about how the Israelites were preparing for battle! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, they were organizing their weapons and tools for war. Let’s unpack it further: “But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines…” – This refers to a group of Israelites who were traveling south towards the Philistine territory. The Philists were a people living in the area just south of Israel. “…to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock.” – This is where it gets interesting. “Coulter” and “axe” are ancient tools used for cutting things. "Mattock" was a small shovel used to dig trenches or clear land. So, the Israelites were meticulously sharpening and preparing every single one of these weapons and tools. They were making sure they had everything they needed to fight effectively. Why is this important? This event happened before the battle against the Philistines. It shows that the Israelites were serious about their readiness for war. They weren't just casually gathering supplies; they were dedicating themselves to preparing for a significant conflict. In short, it’s a story about meticulous preparation for battle. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this event in the Bible?