Facing Opposition: The Story of Sanballat and Tobiah

Nehemiah, a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, received a burden from the Lord concerning the desolate walls of Jerusalem. His heart was broken for his people, and he sought the king's favour to return and rebuild. This task, divinely ordained and earnestly undertaken, immediately drew the ire of formidable adversaries. The story of Nehemiah's rebuilding project is a profound narrative of faith, perseverance, and divine protection in the face of relentless opposition. At the forefront of this antagonism were Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite, two figures whose names have become synonymous with obstruction and malice against God's work and His people. Their concerted efforts to hinder Nehemiah serve as a timeless lesson for believers navigating a world often hostile to righteousness.

The Adversaries Revealed: Sanballat and Tobiah

Who were these men, and why did they so vehemently oppose the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls? Sanballat is identified as "the Horonite," likely implying he was from Beth-Horon, a town on the border of Samaria, making him a Samaritan official or governor. Tobiah is called "the Ammonite," indicating his origin from the region east of the Jordan River, and he held a position of influence, possibly as a governor or high official in Ammon. Their opposition was not arbitrary; it stemmed from a combination of political, economic, and spiritual motivations. The restoration of Jerusalem's walls represented a resurgence of Jewish strength and autonomy, a development that threatened their regional power and influence. A strong Jerusalem meant a weaker Samaria or Ammon in their eyes. Beyond political concerns, there was an underlying spiritual animosity, a hatred for the people of God and the work of God. Nehemiah 2:10 tells us, "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." Their grief was not for Jerusalem's desolation, but for its potential restoration; they grieved that God's people would prosper.

Methods of Opposition: A Multi-pronged Attack

Sanballat and Tobiah employed a variety of tactics, demonstrating a persistent and escalating campaign against Nehemiah and the Jewish people.

  • Scorn and Mockery: Their initial strategy was derision, aiming to demoralize and discourage the builders.

    But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned? Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.

    Nehemiah 4:1-3

    This verbal assault aimed to undermine confidence and sow doubt.
  • Conspiracy and Threats of Force: When mockery failed, they escalated to threats of violence. They conspired to fight against Jerusalem and cause confusion.

    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, And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it.

    Nehemiah 4:7-8

    This necessitated the Jews building with one hand and holding a weapon with the other.
  • Deception and Treachery: As physical threats proved ineffective, they resorted to cunning and deceit. They repeatedly tried to lure Nehemiah away from the work under the guise of holding a conference in Ono, intending to harm him there.

    Then Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief. And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?

    Nehemiah 6:2-3

    They also hired false prophets, like Shemaiah, to frighten Nehemiah into hiding in the temple, which would have been a sin and discredited him. Tobiah, leveraging connections, even had allies among the nobles who reported Nehemiah's words, creating internal espionage.
  • Discouragement from Within: The enemies also worked through internal channels. The "Jews who dwelt by them" came and told the builders "ten times, From all places whence ye shall return unto us they will be upon you." This constant flow of negative reports aimed to instill fear and sap morale.

Nehemiah's Response: Principles for Facing Opposition

Nehemiah's leadership provides a powerful blueprint for believers facing similar opposition today. His response was rooted in deep faith and practical wisdom.

  • Fervent Prayer: Nehemiah consistently turned to God in prayer. When mocked, he prayed (Nehemiah 4:4-5). When threatened, he prayed (Nehemiah 4:9). When facing internal strife, he prayed. Prayer was his first and most powerful weapon, acknowledging God's sovereignty and seeking divine intervention and guidance.
  • Vigilance and Preparedness: While praying, Nehemiah did not sit idly by. He set a watch day and night (Nehemiah 4:9) and armed the people (Nehemiah 4:16-18). He understood that faith without works is dead; trust in God complements human diligence.
  • Focus on God's Work: Despite the constant distractions and threats, Nehemiah kept his eyes firmly fixed on the task God had given him. His famous reply to the invitation to meet in Ono – "I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down" (Nehemiah 6:3) – showed his unwavering dedication. He refused to be sidetracked by the enemy's ploys.
  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: Nehemiah continually reminded the people of God's power and presence. "Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses" (Nehemiah 4:14). He instilled courage by pointing them to God's control.
  • Courage and Steadfastness: Nehemiah himself exemplified courage, refusing to be intimidated or flee, even when his life was threatened. He knew that fear was a tool of the enemy to stop God's work.
  • Discernment: He was able to see through the schemes of Sanballat and Tobiah, recognizing their true intentions. He discerned the motives of false prophets and internal traitors, protecting himself and the work from subtle attacks.

    • The Triumph of God's Work

    Despite the relentless and varied opposition, the wall was completed in a remarkably short time—fifty and two days (Nehemiah 6:15). This swift completion profoundly impacted the adversaries:

    And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.

    Nehemiah 6:16

    The completion of the wall was a powerful testimony to God's faithfulness and power. The enemies, who had mocked and threatened, were forced to acknowledge a divine hand at work. Their plans were thwarted, and their malice exposed as futile against the will of the Almighty.

    Lessons for Today's Believer

    The story of Sanballat and Tobiah is a timeless narrative with profound implications for Christians today.

    • Expect Opposition: Just as Nehemiah faced adversaries, believers engaged in God's work should expect resistance. The enemy, Satan, will always seek to hinder God's kingdom. "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12).
    • Discern the Enemy's Tactics: Opposition can come in various forms: ridicule, threats, subtle deception, internal strife, and discouragement. We must be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16) to recognize these tactics.
    • Respond Biblically: Nehemiah's principles remain valid:
    • God Will Prevail: Ultimately, no opposition can thwart God's sovereign plan. The completion of the wall demonstrated that "the battle is the Lord's" (1 Samuel 17:47). When we are engaged in His work, He is our protector and defender.

    The story of Sanballat and Tobiah serves as a stark reminder that while opposition is inevitable for those who serve God, it is also an opportunity to witness His mighty hand. By emulating Nehemiah's faith, prayer, and steadfastness, believers can not only face opposition but triumph, bringing glory to God as His work is accomplished through them.