The Israelites went down to the Philistines Not to the country of the Philistines, for that was too far from many parts of the land of Israel; but to their garrisons, which they held among them even after Samuel had driven the main body of them out of the country. In these, it seems, the Philistines kept all the smiths, and there they allowed them to exercise their art for the uses following. Yet they had a file, &c. They were allowed some proper instruments and tools for sharpening their implements of husbandry, in some degree; but no other.

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