Nehemiah 2:19

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

But when Sanballat {H5571} the Horonite {H2772}, and Tobiah {H2900} the servant {H5650}, the Ammonite {H5984}, and Geshem {H1654} the Arabian {H6163}, heard {H8085} it, they laughed us to scorn {H3932}, and despised {H959} us, and said {H559}, What is this thing {H1697} that ye do {H6213}? will ye rebel {H4775} against the king {H4428}?

Complete Jewish Bible

When Sanvalat the Horoni, Toviyah the servant, the 'Amoni, and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they began mocking us and jeering, "What is this you are doing? Are you going to rebel against the king?"

Berean Standard Bible

But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about this, they mocked us and ridiculed us, saying, “What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?”

American Standard Version

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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 2:19 vividly introduces the immediate and intense opposition faced by Nehemiah and the returning exiles as they embarked on the divinely inspired task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. This pivotal verse marks the emergence of the primary antagonists—Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem—who, upon hearing of the rebuilding efforts, responded with scorn, contempt, and a politically charged accusation of rebellion against the Persian king, thereby setting the stage for ongoing conflict throughout Nehemiah's mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse follows directly on the heels of a moment of profound spiritual and communal resolve. In [Nehemiah 2:17-18](/nehemiah/2-17 "Nehemiah 2:17-18 - Nehemiah's Call to Rebuild and the People's Response"), Nehemiah had revealed his burden for Jerusalem's desolation and shared the king's favorable decree, inspiring the people to declare, "Let us rise up and build!" The enthusiasm and commitment expressed in [Nehemiah 2:18](/nehemiah/2-18 "Nehemiah 2:18 - The People's Resolve to Build") immediately give way to the harsh reality of external opposition in [Nehemiah 2:19](/nehemiah/2-19 "Nehemiah 2:19 - Opposition Arises"). This juxtaposition highlights a recurring biblical pattern: divine initiatives, especially those involving restoration and spiritual renewal, frequently provoke immediate and fierce resistance from those whose interests are threatened or who oppose God's purposes. The narrative shifts from internal unity and hope to external conflict, establishing the central tension that will drive much of the book's subsequent events.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Nehemiah unfold during the Persian Empire's rule, specifically under King Artaxerxes I (465-424 BC). Judah was a small province within this vast empire, and its capital, Jerusalem, lay in ruins. The rebuilding of its walls, while seemingly a local affair, carried significant political implications. Walls signified autonomy, defense, and the potential for a city to become a stronghold, which could be perceived as a challenge to imperial authority. Sanballat the Horonite, likely the governor of Samaria; Tobiah the Ammonite, an influential official in Ammon (east of the Jordan); and Geshem the Arabian, a powerful tribal leader to the south, were key regional figures. They had established their influence in the power vacuum created by Jerusalem's weakness. The restoration of Jerusalem as a fortified city threatened their territorial claims, trade routes, and political dominance over the surrounding regions. Their accusation of "rebellion against the king" was a highly potent and dangerous charge, as treason against the Persian monarch carried severe penalties, including execution, and was a common tactic used to suppress perceived threats to imperial control.

* **Key Themes:** [Nehemiah 2:19](/nehemiah/2-19 "Nehemiah 2:19 - The Emergence of Opposition") introduces several enduring themes central to the book of Nehemiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Opposition to God's Work**, demonstrating that divine endeavors are rarely unopposed. From the moment God's people commit to a task, adversaries emerge, often with psychological warfare tactics like ridicule and scorn, as seen here. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Spiritual Warfare**, where human adversaries embody spiritual resistance to God's redemptive plan. The accusations are not merely political but aim to derail a divinely ordained mission. Thirdly, it sets the stage for the theme of **Perseverance in Leadership**, as Nehemiah's resolve and faith are immediately tested. His ability to navigate these challenges, relying on God's strength rather than succumbing to intimidation, becomes a model for leadership. Finally, the false accusation of rebellion foreshadows the broader biblical theme of **Unjust Accusation**, where God's servants are often slandered for their righteous actions, a theme echoed in the lives of prophets and ultimately in the life of Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **laughed...to scorn (Hebrew, _la'ag lanu'_):** This phrase, derived from the root לָעַג (_la'ag_), denotes a deep, contemptuous mockery, often accompanied by derision, ridicule, and scornful laughter. It implies not just amusement but a malicious intent to belittle, humiliate, and undermine the confidence of the target. The addition of "us" (_lanu_) emphasizes the personal nature of the attack, directed specifically at Nehemiah and the Jewish people. This was a psychological tactic designed to demoralize the builders before they even began.
* **despised (Hebrew, _bazah'_):** From the root בָּזָה (_bazah_), this word signifies looking down upon someone with utter contempt, disdain, and a sense of worthlessness. It implies a complete lack of respect and a belief that the object of scorn is insignificant or inferior. When combined with "laughed to scorn," it paints a picture of adversaries who not only ridiculed but also fundamentally devalued the Jewish people and their aspirations, viewing their efforts as futile and beneath notice.
* **rebel (Hebrew, _marad'_):** The verb מָרַד (_marad_) means "to rebel," "to revolt," or "to be defiant." In the context of an empire, it refers to an act of treason against the reigning monarch, carrying the most severe penalties. This accusation was not merely an insult but a grave political charge, designed to provoke the Persian authorities and force them to intervene and halt the rebuilding project. It was a strategic and dangerous maneuver by Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard [it]":** This clause introduces the three primary antagonists, identifying them by name and origin, immediately signaling their regional power and the widespread nature of the opposition. "Heard [it]" refers to the news of Nehemiah's arrival, his commission from the king, and the Jewish people's resolve to rebuild the walls, as expressed in [Nehemiah 2:18](/nehemiah/2-18 "Nehemiah 2:18 - The People's Resolve"). Their hearing of this news marks the transition from Nehemiah's secret preparations to open conflict.
* **"they laughed us to scorn, and despised us":** This describes the initial, visceral reaction of the adversaries. Their response is one of intense derision and contempt, indicating their disdain for Nehemiah and the Jewish people, and their disbelief that such a project could succeed, particularly under the leadership of a former cupbearer. This psychological attack aimed to undermine the morale and confidence of the builders.
* **"and said, What [is] this thing that ye do?":** This rhetorical question, delivered with an air of mock innocence or feigned ignorance, is laden with sarcasm and thinly veiled hostility. It challenges the legitimacy of their actions, implying that their undertaking is foolish, unauthorized, or ultimately futile. It's a dismissive query designed to belittle the significance of the rebuilding effort.
* **"will ye rebel against the king?":** This is the most dangerous and politically charged part of their accusation. By framing the rebuilding of the walls as an act of rebellion against Artaxerxes, the adversaries sought to leverage the immense power of the Persian Empire against Nehemiah and the Jews. This was a direct threat, implying that they would report this "treason" to the king, which could lead to severe consequences, including the cessation of the project, imprisonment, or even execution.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 2:19 employs several potent literary devices to convey the immediate and severe nature of the opposition. **Antagonism** is immediately established through the explicit naming of the three principal adversaries—Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem—who will serve as recurring foils to Nehemiah's mission throughout the book. Their collective action of "laughing...to scorn, and despis[ing]" the Jews is a clear instance of **Psychological Warfare**, designed to demoralize and intimidate the builders before any physical work even begins. The rhetorical question, "What [is] this thing that ye do?", functions as **Sarcasm** and **Derision**, mocking the perceived futility and audacity of the Jewish endeavor. Most significantly, the concluding accusation, "will ye rebel against the king?", is a masterstroke of **Political Intimidation**. It is a thinly veiled threat, leveraging the immense power of the Persian Empire and the severe consequences of treason, thereby creating a high-stakes conflict. This accusation also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the ongoing plots and challenges Nehemiah will face, many of which involve attempts to discredit him politically.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 2:19 serves as a stark reminder that God's work often provokes immediate and intense opposition from those who oppose His kingdom. This is not merely a historical anecdote but a profound theological truth: whenever light begins to shine, darkness resists. The scorn, contempt, and false accusations hurled at Nehemiah and the Jews are archetypal expressions of spiritual warfare, where the enemy seeks to discourage, discredit, and ultimately derail divine purposes. Yet, it is precisely in the face of such opposition that God's faithfulness and the resolve of His people are most clearly demonstrated. This verse sets the stage for a narrative where God's power is magnified through human weakness and perseverance, ultimately ensuring the success of His plans despite formidable obstacles.

* [Psalm 2:4](/psalms/2-4 "Psalm 2:4 - God Laughs at His Enemies"): "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision."
* [Matthew 5:11-12](/matthew/5-11 "Matthew 5:11-12 - Blessed are the Persecuted"): "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."
* [John 15:18-20](/john/15-18 "John 15:18-20 - The World's Hatred"): "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you... If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you..."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 2:19 offers timeless lessons for believers engaged in God's work today. It reminds us that opposition is not an indicator of being outside God's will, but often a confirmation that we are precisely where He wants us to be. When we commit to a task for the Lord, whether it's rebuilding a community, sharing the Gospel, or standing for righteousness, we should anticipate resistance. This resistance may manifest as ridicule, scorn, false accusations, or attempts to undermine our credibility, much like Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem sought to do. The key is not to be surprised or discouraged by such attacks, but to remain steadfast, rooted in our conviction that God has called us. Like Nehemiah, our response should be one of prayer, strategic action, and unwavering focus on the divine mandate, rather than allowing the enemy's tactics to paralyze us. This verse calls us to cultivate resilience, trusting that God will ultimately vindicate His work and His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "walls" or areas of spiritual restoration is God calling you to build in your life or community?**
* **How do you typically react when faced with ridicule or false accusations for your faith or service?**
* **In what ways might the "Sanballats" and "Tobiahs" of today seek to discourage or discredit God's work?**
* **What practical steps can you take to remain steadfast and confident in God's calling when opposition arises?**

### FAQ

**Who were Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, and why were they so opposed to Nehemiah's work?**

Answer: Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem were powerful regional leaders who saw the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls as a direct threat to their established influence and control. Sanballat was likely the governor of Samaria, Tobiah an influential Ammonite official, and Geshem a prominent Arabian tribal leader. For centuries, Jerusalem had been weak and undefended, allowing these figures to expand their territories and influence without a strong Jewish presence. A fortified Jerusalem would mean a resurgence of Jewish power and autonomy, potentially disrupting their trade routes, political alliances, and territorial claims. Their opposition was therefore rooted in a desire to maintain their regional dominance and prevent the re-establishment of a strong, independent Judah.

**Was the accusation of "rebellion against the king" a legitimate concern or a false charge?**

Answer: The accusation was a false charge, a politically motivated tactic designed to halt the rebuilding project. Nehemiah had explicitly received permission and resources from King Artaxerxes himself (as detailed in [Nehemiah 2:7-8](/nehemiah/2-7 "Nehemiah 2:7-8 - Nehemiah's Request to the King")), making any claim of rebellion baseless. However, it was a highly potent and dangerous accusation. In the Persian Empire, any hint of sedition or rebellion was taken extremely seriously and could lead to severe penalties. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem knew this, and by raising this charge, they aimed to intimidate Nehemiah and provoke the Persian authorities into intervening and stopping the work, thereby achieving their goal without direct military confrontation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 2:19, with its depiction of scorn, contempt, and false accusation against God's chosen servant and His people, powerfully foreshadows the opposition faced by the ultimate builder of God's kingdom, Jesus Christ. Just as Nehemiah was mocked for his mission to restore Jerusalem, so too was Jesus "despised and rejected by men" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant")), enduring the scorn of religious leaders and the world as He embarked on His redemptive work. The accusation of rebellion against the king—a political charge—finds its ultimate echo in the false accusations leveled against Jesus, culminating in the charge of claiming to be "King of the Jews," which led to His crucifixion ([John 19:19](/john/19-19 "John 19:19 - Pilate's Inscription")). Furthermore, the ongoing spiritual warfare faced by Nehemiah's builders is a type of the continuous struggle the church faces as it builds God's spiritual temple ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone")) and proclaims the Gospel. Believers, as followers of Christ, are promised that they will face similar opposition and persecution for His name's sake ([Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Hated for Christ's Name")). Yet, just as God empowered Nehemiah to overcome his adversaries, Christ has triumphed over all spiritual foes, and His church is assured that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Built on the Rock")).

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 6:6

Wherein [was] written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith [it, that] thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.

Nehemiah 6:1

¶ Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and [that] there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;)

Nehemiah 6:2

That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in [some one of] the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.

Psalms 44:13

Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.

Psalms 44:14

Thou makest us a byword among the heathen, a shaking of the head among the people.

Mark 5:40

And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.

Nehemiah 2:10

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.