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wa-qālat ṭāʾifatun min ʾahli l-kitābi ʾāminū bi-lladhī ʾunzila ʿalā lladhīna ʾāmanū wajha n-nahāri wa-kfurū ʾākhirahū laʿallahum yarjiʿūna
A group of the People of the Book say, ‘Believe in what has been sent down to the faithful at the beginning of the day, and disbelieve at its end, so that they may turn back [from their religion].’
— Ali Quli Qarai
Surah 'Ali-Imran, Verse 72
72. "And a group of the People of the Book said: 'Believe in what has been sent down to those who believe, at the opening of the day, and disbelieve at the end of it, perhaps (by this device) they return (from Islam)."
In the explanation of the occasion of revelation of this verse, it is said as follows. Once at the time of the Prophet (S), twelve scholars from Jewish people, in order to create a state of agitation and doubtfulness among the Muslim believers, decided to come to meet Prophet Muhammad (S) in the morning and express their belief in Islam, but on the same day in the evening they would turn their backs to Islam and say that they met Muhammad (S) but he was not the same as the Torah and Evangel had explained.
By this skilful plan, they wanted to show off the common people that if Islam were a good creed and the former religions confirmed it; the scholars of the People of the Book would not desist from it. Applying this manner, they could create both doubtfulness among Muslims and prevent other Jews to embrace Islam. But, by revealing this verse, the Lord made their plan manifest to all, saying:
Explanations
1. It is possible that sometimes some individuals penetrate into the lines of Muslims and stab from behind, so we ought to be aware.
2. Muslims must not be simple-minded and credulous.
3. We must set our faith so firm that the return of several individuals does not affect our hearts.
4. In the foreign policy, the motive of holding communication, or ceasing it, is often to bring some special conditions both inside and outside the country.
5. It usually happens that, in sensitive stages, Allah divulges the secrets and plans of His enemies.