Not a blacksmith could be found in the whole land of Israel, because the Philistines had said,“ Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords or spears!” (niv)
Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be sincere. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said, so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor.So the spies questioned him:“ Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”He saw through their duplicity and said to them, (niv)
“ Let us invade Judah; let us tear it apart and divide it among ourselves, and make the son of Tabeel king over it.”Yet this is what the Sovereign Lord says:“‘ It will not take place, it will not happen, (niv)