Nehemiah 2:10

KJV

When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard [of it], it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

When Sanballat {H5571} the Horonite {H2772}, and Tobiah {H2900} the servant {H5650}, the Ammonite {H5984}, heard {H8085} of it, it grieved {H3415} them exceedingly {H7451}{H1419} that there was come {H935} a man {H120} to seek {H1245} the welfare {H2896} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Sanvalat the Horoni and Toviyah the servant, the 'Amoni, heard about this, they were very displeased that someone had come to promote the welfare of the people of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were deeply disturbed that someone had come to seek the well-being of the Israelites.

American Standard Version

And when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly, for that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 2:10 marks a critical turning point in Nehemiah’s mission, immediately introducing the formidable opposition he would face upon his arrival in Jerusalem. The verse highlights the intense displeasure of Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite, two powerful regional figures, who were exceedingly grieved by the news that a man had come with the express purpose of seeking the holistic well-being and prosperity of the children of Israel. This hostile reaction foreshadows the significant challenges and spiritual warfare that would characterize the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Nehemiah's successful petition to King Artaxerxes, who granted him permission, letters of safe conduct, and resources for the rebuilding project in Jerusalem (see [Nehemiah 2:1-8](/nehemiah/2-1 "Nehemiah 2:1-8 - Nehemiah's Prayer and Commission")). Having arrived in the province "Beyond the River" (Trans-Euphrates), Nehemiah had already presented his credentials to the governors (Nehemiah 2:9). The news of his arrival and, more importantly, his specific mission to "seek the welfare of the children of Israel" quickly reached the ears of key regional adversaries. This verse serves as the narrative pivot, shifting the focus from Nehemiah's divine preparation and royal commission to the direct confrontation with external human opposition that would define much of the subsequent rebuilding effort. It sets the stage for the escalating conflicts detailed in later chapters, such as the scorn and plots described in [Nehemiah 4](/nehemiah/4 "Nehemiah 4 - Opposition and Prayer") and [Nehemiah 6](/nehemiah/6 "Nehemiah 6 - Plots Against Nehemiah").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Nehemiah unfold during the Persian Empire's rule, specifically in the mid-5th century BC. The province of Judah was a relatively small and vulnerable satrapy within the larger "province Beyond the River." Sanballat the Horonite was likely the governor of Samaria, a region to the north of Judah, and a long-standing rival. Tobiah the Ammonite was a prominent official in the Ammonite territory, east of the Jordan River. Both held significant power and influence in their respective regions. Historically, there had been tension and animosity between the returning Jewish exiles and their neighbors, particularly those who had settled in the land during the exile. The prospect of a strengthened, fortified Jerusalem under a zealous leader like Nehemiah was perceived as a direct threat to their regional dominance, political stability, and economic interests. Their "grief" was not sorrow, but extreme displeasure rooted in their desire to maintain the weakened status quo of Judah and prevent any resurgence of Jewish power or autonomy.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 2:10 introduces several pervasive themes. Foremost is the theme of **Opposition to God's Work**. Any significant undertaking aligned with God's purposes, whether in biblical times or today, often provokes fierce resistance from those aligned against divine will. Nehemiah's mission, clearly God-ordained, immediately draws out adversaries, illustrating a recurring pattern of spiritual warfare against the advancement of God's kingdom. Another key theme is **Malicious Intent and Self-Interest**. Sanballat and Tobiah's "grief" is rooted in their own vested interests and a deep-seated malice towards the Jewish people's prosperity. They did not want Jerusalem to regain strength, viewing it as a challenge to their regional hegemony. This foreshadows their persistent efforts to undermine Nehemiah through scorn, conspiracy, and intimidation, as seen in their continued actions against the rebuilding efforts in [Nehemiah 4:1-3](/nehemiah/4-1 "Nehemiah 4:1-3 - Sanballat and Tobiah's Scorn") and [Nehemiah 6:1-9](/nehemiah/6-1 "Nehemiah 6:1-9 - Plots and Deception"). Finally, the verse subtly highlights **Divine Providence and Human Response**. While Nehemiah's journey and success thus far were clearly under God's hand, his arrival serves as a catalyst, exposing the hearts of those who would resist God's plan for Israel's restoration, thereby setting the stage for God to demonstrate His faithfulness in the face of human hostility.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **grieved exceedingly (Hebrew, _ra' lahem gedolah'_):** This phrase literally translates to "evil/bad was to them great." It does not convey sorrow or sadness, but rather intense displeasure, annoyance, vexation, or a profound sense of something being wrong or threatening to them. It signifies a strong, negative emotional reaction, indicating bitter resentment and hostility at the prospect of Israel’s well-being and strength. This "grief" is malicious and self-serving, stemming from a perceived threat to their own power and influence.
* **welfare (Hebrew, _tovah'_):** The Hebrew term `tovah` is rich in meaning, encompassing more than just physical safety or material prosperity. It refers to the overall goodness, well-being, success, and flourishing of the community. It implies a state of holistic health, peace, and prosperity—social, economic, and spiritual. Sanballat and Tobiah were not merely annoyed by Nehemiah's presence; they were deeply disturbed by the idea of the Jewish people flourishing in any aspect, as this would diminish their own regional control and influence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard [of it]":** This clause introduces the primary antagonists. Sanballat, from Horon (likely Beth-horon or Horonaim), was a prominent Samaritan leader. Tobiah, identified as "the servant" (possibly a title indicating his official position, perhaps governor of Ammon), was an Ammonite. Their immediate awareness of Nehemiah's arrival and purpose underscores their vigilance over regional affairs and their vested interest in the status quo.
* **"it grieved them exceedingly":** This phrase describes their intense emotional reaction. As noted in the key word analysis, this is not sorrow but profound vexation, anger, and resentment. The adverb "exceedingly" emphasizes the depth and severity of their negative response, indicating that Nehemiah's mission struck a raw nerve.
* **"that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel":** This final clause reveals the precise cause of their intense grief. It was not just Nehemiah's presence, but his explicit purpose—to seek the comprehensive well-being and prosperity of the Jewish people—that ignited their hostility. This highlights their opposition to the restoration and flourishing of God's chosen people, viewing any strengthening of Judah as a direct threat to their own regional power and influence.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 2:10 effectively employs several literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the immediate and intense opposition from Sanballat and Tobiah sets the stage for the numerous conflicts, plots, and challenges Nehemiah will face throughout the rebuilding process. Their "grief" is a clear signal of the adversarial relationship to come. The verse also introduces a strong element of **Antagonism**, clearly identifying the primary human adversaries who will stand against God's work through Nehemiah. This establishes a clear "us vs. them" dynamic. There is also a subtle **Irony** at play: Nehemiah comes to seek "welfare" (`tovah` – good), but his good intentions and actions are met with "grief" (`ra'` – evil/bad) from his opponents. This contrast underscores the inherently malicious nature of their opposition. Finally, the verse uses **Juxtaposition** by placing Nehemiah's benevolent mission ("seek the welfare") directly against the malevolent reaction of his enemies ("grieved them exceedingly"), thereby highlighting the inherent conflict between divine purpose and human resistance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 2:10 serves as a powerful reminder that whenever God's people embark on a work aligned with His divine will, opposition is to be expected. This is not merely human resistance but often a manifestation of spiritual warfare, where forces hostile to God's kingdom seek to hinder His purposes. The "grief" of Sanballat and Tobiah is a testament to the fact that light exposes darkness, and the advancement of goodness and truth will always provoke a reaction from those who thrive in chaos or seek to maintain control through oppression. This verse underscores the reality that God's plan for His people's flourishing will inevitably challenge the status quo of worldly powers and self-serving individuals, leading to conflict. It calls believers to discern the spiritual nature of such opposition and to remain steadfast in their God-given assignments, knowing that ultimate victory belongs to God.

* [Exodus 1:8-14](/exodus/1-8 "Exodus 1:8-14 - Pharaoh's Oppression of Israel")
* [Psalm 129:1-2](/psalms/129-1 "Psalm 129:1-2 - Israel's Enduring Adversity")
* [Acts 4:1-3](/acts/4-1 "Acts 4:1-3 - Peter and John Arrested")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 2:10 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. When we commit ourselves to endeavors that are clearly aligned with God's will—whether it's pursuing personal spiritual growth, engaging in ministry, advocating for justice, or simply living out our faith authentically—we should anticipate opposition. Not everyone will celebrate our "welfare" or the progress of God's kingdom. Like Nehemiah, we must be prepared to face those who are "grieved exceedingly" by good and godly initiatives. This verse encourages us to develop spiritual discernment, recognizing that opposition often stems from malice, self-interest, or a deeper spiritual antagonism rather than genuine concern. It calls us to persevere in our divine calling, understanding that God's plan will ultimately prevail despite human resistance. Furthermore, it reminds us to cultivate a posture of prayer and reliance on God for wisdom and strength, just as Nehemiah consistently did throughout his challenging mission, trusting that He who began a good work will bring it to completion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "welfare" or good work are you pursuing in your life or community that might provoke opposition?**
* **How do you typically react when faced with unexpected resistance to your godly endeavors?**
* **In what ways might you discern the true motives behind opposition you encounter?**
* **What practical steps can you take to prepare yourself spiritually and emotionally for anticipated challenges in your walk of faith?**

### FAQ

**Who were Sanballat and Tobiah, and why were they so important?**

Answer: Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite were powerful regional officials during the Persian period. Sanballat was likely the governor of Samaria, a territory north of Judah, while Tobiah was a prominent official in the Ammonite region east of the Jordan River. They were important because they held significant political and military influence in the areas surrounding Judah. Their opposition was not merely personal but represented a formidable political and economic threat to the rebuilding of Jerusalem. They saw a strong, fortified Judah as a challenge to their own regional dominance and control, which is why they were so "grieved exceedingly" by Nehemiah's mission to seek the "welfare" of the Jewish people. Their actions throughout the book of Nehemiah demonstrate their persistent efforts to undermine the restoration project.

**Why were they "grieved exceedingly" by Nehemiah's mission?**

Answer: Their "grief" was not sorrow, but intense anger, vexation, and resentment. They were "grieved exceedingly" because Nehemiah's arrival and stated purpose—to seek the holistic "welfare" (`tovah`) of the children of Israel—directly threatened their vested interests. For decades, Judah had been weak and vulnerable, allowing these neighboring powers to exert influence and control over the region. The prospect of Jerusalem's walls being rebuilt and the Jewish community regaining strength and autonomy was a direct challenge to their regional hegemony. They perceived Nehemiah's mission as a political and economic threat that would diminish their own power and prestige. Their reaction reveals their malicious intent and their desire to keep Judah in a state of weakness and subservience.

**What does "welfare" mean in this context, and why was seeking it so provocative?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated as "welfare" is `tovah`, which signifies more than just physical safety. It encompasses a comprehensive sense of goodness, prosperity, well-being, and flourishing—social, economic, political, and spiritual. Nehemiah's mission was to restore Jerusalem's walls, which symbolized the city's security, its identity as a distinct community, and its ability to function as a center for Jewish life and worship. Seeking this "welfare" was provocative because it implied the resurgence of a strong, independent Judah. This would disrupt the existing power balance in the region, challenging the influence and control that Sanballat and Tobiah had enjoyed over a weakened Judah. Their "grief" was precisely because they did not want to see the Jewish people prosper or regain their former strength and autonomy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 2:10, with its depiction of intense opposition to God's work for His people's welfare, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Just as Nehemiah's mission to restore Jerusalem's physical walls and the spiritual well-being of Israel provoked the "grief" of adversaries, so too did the ultimate mission of Christ, the true builder of God's spiritual temple, provoke the deepest malice from the forces of darkness. Jesus came to seek the ultimate "welfare" of humanity, offering salvation, reconciliation, and eternal life, yet He was met with unparalleled opposition from the world and its spiritual rulers. He Himself warned His disciples, "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you" ([John 15:18](/john/15-18 "John 15:18 - The World's Hatred")). His ministry, culminating in His sacrificial death and resurrection, was the ultimate act of seeking humanity's `tovah`, but it was met with the ultimate "grief" and hostility of those aligned against God's kingdom. The ongoing work of the Church, which is Christ's body on earth, continues to face similar opposition, as it seeks to advance the "welfare" of God's kingdom in a fallen world ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")). Yet, just as Nehemiah ultimately prevailed through God's strength, the ultimate victory belongs to Christ, who has triumphed over all opposing powers, ensuring the eternal welfare of His people and the complete establishment of His kingdom ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Nehemiah 4:7

¶ But it came to pass, [that] when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, [and] that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth,

Nehemiah 2:19

But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard [it], they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What [is] this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?

Proverbs 27:4

Wrath [is] cruel, and anger [is] outrageous; but who [is] able to stand before envy?

Nehemiah 13:4

And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, [was] allied unto Tobiah:

Acts 19:26

Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:

Acts 19:27

So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.

Ezekiel 25:6

For thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast clapped [thine] hands, and stamped with the feet, and rejoiced in heart with all thy despite against the land of Israel;