Biblical Nations

Probably. Isn't that one of the "understood" functions of ambassadors ?

Actually,"apostle" means ambassador ...

Who cares? The bible is a bunch of made up stories or fables. It's not a historical accounting unless you believe in fairies.

Do you think Russia, Japan, China or any other industrial country doesn't spy? Seriously?

Yes, but perhaps one concerned with transmission rather than reception .

Especially Russia and China were are known to spy on their allies - otherwise they would have lost them earlier.

Of curse not Rag but how many would expend the effort to tap their allied leaders' cellphones

Ragman-
Thank you.

There are stories and fables in the Bible. I thought there are also historical events in the history of Israel, Judah, Jordan, and Egypt.

A better question might have been:

During the history of humankind...is it more usual for nations NOT to spy on each other (allies or enemies)...or for them TO SPY?

I'm not going to do the research, but my guess is that spying on each other is far and away the usual for human conduct.

Most of the indignation over all this is media generated. It sells newspapers and improves viewership.

America spies.

Wow. Who ever woulda thunk it.

Only people with a brain and a sense of realism and authenticity...that's all.