No blacksmiths

"There were no blacksmiths in Israel because the Philistines were determined to keep the Hebrews from making swords and spears. (The Israelites had to go to the Philistines to get their ploughs, hoes, axes, and sickles sharpened; the charge was one small coin for sharpening axes and for repairing ox goads, and two coins for sharpening ploughs or hoes.) And so on the day of battle none of the Israelite soldiers except Saul and his son Jonathan had swords or spears."

~ 1 Samuel 13.19-22 GNB

Wait. What? For real?

I think world affair now is significantly more complicated than back when the Israelites and the Philistines were fighting. But there is an interesting parallel with current state of world economies on the talk of sovereign capability and not being dependent on "others" for key capabilities.

On a smaller scale, daily life is also highly dependent on a few technology or service companies to the extent that if they turn against their customers / users, life can get more complicated.

Who are the "blacksmiths" in my life? Or in my ministry or work? Do I have a backup plan?