July 17, 2012 – 1 Samuel 13

You see a very early use of financial warfare by the Philistines.  They exported all the blacksmiths so that not only did Israel have to rely on them for sharpening of tools, but Israel was not able to have weapons to rise against them.  This does seem like a disadvantage in the eyes of someone who does want to go to war, but can be used as a benefit.  A much similar thing occurred after WWII.  The US pretty much restricted Japan from ever having a military.  This made them vulnerable and unable to get offensive, but it also allowed them to focus a lot of money on technology and thus they are known for all the technology they have.  If they had spent money on their military, they would not have had so much success in technological inventions. 

On the other hand, the US has been responsible for their security (and some would say securing the world) and thus our military budget is enormous and some would say we are well behind many countries when it comes to technology and education.