שמואל א, פרק י״ג, פסוק כ״א

During the period of Philistine oppression, the Israelites found themselves entirely stripped of independent ironworking capabilities. This harsh reality forced them either to devise creative ways to maintain their basic agricultural tools or to pay a steep price for outside help.

To keep their equipment functional, the Israelites faced a significant challenge. The primary approach among commentators [רש״י, מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, רד״ק] suggests that they developed an independent, practical solution. Those who lacked the time or desire to travel to the Philistines for tool maintenance utilized a specialized sharpening instrument. This instrument was uniquely crafted with numerous grooves, sharp edges, and cutting surfaces, functioning much like a multi-faceted file. It allowed the Israelites to sharpen and polish their own tools with relative ease. Conversely, another perspective [ביאור שטיינזלץ] paints a picture of complete economic dependence. According to this view, the text does not describe a physical tool, but rather the actual labor of filing and sharpening, coupled with an ancient unit of currency and weight. In this light, the narrative highlights the fixed, heavy price the Israelites were forced to pay the Philistines just to have their tools repaired.

The agricultural and artisan tools that required such constant maintenance included plowshares, spades, and axes. Another prominent implement was a three-pronged iron pitchfork, which the commentators generally agree was used to clear away manure and straw. However, an additional tradition notes that this toothed tool was also employed by launderers to stretch garments after washing [רד״ק]. Lastly, the farmers needed to regularly maintain and set their goads. The goad was a sharp iron needle or nail fixed to the head of a long wooden pole, used to prick and guide draft animals during plowing. The vital act of setting the goad involved sharpening this metal point and securing it firmly and straightly into the wooden staff [רש״י, מצודת ציון, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ].