Commentary
In previous verses (Ali 'Imran 3: 98⧉ 99⧉ 100⧉ 101⧉), it was shown how hostile to Muslims the people of the Book were and how they planned to bring religious harm to them. Mentioned in the present verse Ali 'Imran 3:111 ⧉ are their plans to harm Muslims materially. The last sentence carries the prophecy that they shall not succeed.
This prophecy of the Holy Qur'an was proved true when, during the entire period of prophethood, the people of the Book were unable to overcome the noble Companions ؓ who are the primary addressees here. This applies particularly to the Jewish tribes who had tried to sow seeds of discord among the Companions ؓ . The outcome was that these people were disgraced; some paid jizya, some were killed while others were exiled.
The next verse Ali 'Imran 3:112 ⧉ makes the description complete.