An artificer in brass, iron, etc., first mentioned in Ge 4:22. The art of the smith is one of the essential of civilization; and without it a nation was peculiarly defenseless in time of war, Jg 5:8; 1Sa 13:19-22; 2Ki 24:14. Workers in silver and in copper were distinguished from each other, Ac 19:24; 2Ti 4:14.

The Hebrews were not permitted by the Philistines in the days of Samuel to have a smith amongst them, lest they should make them swords and spears (1Sa 13:19). Thus the Philistines sought to make their conquest permanent (comp. 2Ki 24:16).

The well-known worker in metal. When the Philistines were oppressing Israel we read "there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears." Thus the people of God were unarmed before their enemies. They had to resort to the Philistines even to sharpen their agricultural tools. 1Sa 13:19-20. This was different afterwards, for when the people were carried into captivity, smiths are named among the captives. 2Ki 24:14,16.

Smith.

[HANDICRAFT]

See Handicraft