Now there was no blacksmith to be found throughout all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said,“ Lest the Hebrews make themselves swords or spears.”
So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor.So they asked him,“ Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God.Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?”But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them,
“ Let us go up against Judah and terrify it, and let us conquer it for ourselves, and set up the son of Tabeel as king in the midst of it,”thus says the Lord God:“‘ It shall not stand, and it shall not come to pass.