What weapons did the Israelites Have?

[WilliamM]

Today's read was interesting but it left me wondering: Where did a slave nation acquire the equipment and weapons needed to fight in a major battle? Of course, Samson slew thousands with the jaw bone of a donkey so God can use whatever he chooses. But if they had swords, where did those come from? The Egyptians were behind them in the Red Sea crossing so their weapons would like at the bottom of the sea; in other words, not the spoils of war that the Hebrews could've attained swords. Just musings.

[admindp]

Today's read was interesting but it left me wondering: Where did a slave nation acquire the equipment and weapons needed to fight in a major battle?

Yeah, there are hundreds of details like this omitted from Exodus. Well, it's long enough as it is, lol. Personally I'm more amazed by the detail that is included in document 3500 years old, from the dawn of the written word, than by the noticeable omissions.

But as you say, it could not have been easy for them to get military equipment . . . not to mention military training! They had lots of gold and stuff, maybe they were able to buy swords (and armor?) with their Egyptian loot?
~ Mason

[Bill T]

The Israelites worked in foundries and other menial jobs in Egypt, so they could have made their own weapons. They did make a golden calf right out from Egypt. There was plenty of copper ore available.