1 Samuel 13:22
So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that were with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found. So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that were with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found.
The verse belongs to the time when the Philistines threatened Israel while Saul's army was scattering, and in that crisis Saul's impatience led him to offer a sacrifice contrary to God's command. On the day of battle none of the people who were with Saul and Jonathan had a sword or spear in hand, but with Saul and with Jonathan his son weapons were found. The lack existed because there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel, for the Philistines had worked diligently to keep the Hebrews from learning to make swords and spears. The Hebrews had depended on the Philistines to prepare their instruments of war, and had neglected to equip themselves for conflict.
Saul had not done his part as kingly general to prepare Israel for the conflict. Israel's force was small, incomplete and disorderly and almost unarmed, in contrast to the immense, large and well-equipped army of the Philistines. The contrast left Israel's men afraid, with many hiding away for fear and terror. Because of his presumption Saul was left without any special direction from the Lord and knew not what to do, yet he faced the Philistine host trusting in his own skill and aptitude. God allowed the crisis to expose Saul's perversity and to teach the people humility and faith.