In ancient Israel, the Philistines kept the Jews under control with a weapons ban. They also banned blacksmiths because blacksmiths could forge weapons.
At the same time, when the Jews needed work on their farming tools they had to take them to the Philistines who would charge them exorbitant prices for the work.
Sound familiar?
I Samuel, 13:19-23: 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!”
any licensing fee is a tax by another name.
to add, word of some is that the Hebrews wandered in the desert for 40 years because the Philistines inhabited and controlled the coastal areas. they had ties with the Greeks for "high quality " weapons. they were able to force the Hebrews to by-pass their lands and thus they wound up following a desert path to the holy land.
