but all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, each man to sharpen his own plowshare, mattock, ax, and sickle.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 20. All Israel, whom the Philistines had conquered, particularly the neighbouring tribes. Calmet.—They were obliged to go to the places where the enemy kept garrisons, ( Menochius.) as they did at Gabaa, Bethel, and so forth—Share. Septuagint Syr. and so forth “scythe,” or “sickle for corn;” θεριστηριον. Bible.—The original term, macharesha, may signify all sorts of implements.—Spade. Hebrew is supposed to mean, “a coulter.” Septuagint “instrument,” which the prophets often say will be turned into a sword, in times of war. Joel 3:15. Mic. 4:3.—Rake. The same generical term is used in Hebrew as was before translated a plough-share. Septuagint have “scythe;” δρεπανον. Calmet.