Topical Bible: Deception: Sanballat Tries to Deceive Nehemiah

◄ Deception: Sanballat Tries to Deceive Nehemiah ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the account of Sanballat's attempt to deceive Nehemiah is a significant episode that highlights the challenges faced by the Israelites during the reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls. This event is recorded in the Book of Nehemiah, specifically in Nehemiah 6:1-14. Sanballat, along with Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and other adversaries, sought to thwart Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the walls, which were crucial for the protection and restoration of the Jewish community in Jerusalem.

Context and Background

Nehemiah, a Jewish cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, was granted permission to return to Jerusalem to oversee the rebuilding of its walls. This project was not only a physical reconstruction but also a spiritual renewal for the Jewish people. However, the surrounding nations, including the Samaritans led by Sanballat, viewed this endeavor as a threat to their influence and power.

The Deceptive Plot

Sanballat's strategy to deceive Nehemiah is a classic example of subterfuge and manipulation. As the wall neared completion, Sanballat and his allies attempted to lure Nehemiah away from his work under the guise of a diplomatic meeting. Nehemiah 6:2 states, "Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: 'Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.' But they were planning to harm me."

Nehemiah, discerning their true intentions, refused to be distracted from his mission. He responded with wisdom and steadfastness, as recorded in Nehemiah 6:3 : "So I sent messengers to them, saying, 'I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it to go down to you?'"

Further Attempts and False Accusations

Undeterred by Nehemiah's refusal, Sanballat persisted in his attempts to undermine the project. He sent an open letter accusing Nehemiah of plotting rebellion against the king, hoping to instill fear and doubt among the people and Nehemiah himself. Nehemiah 6:6-7 recounts the contents of the letter: "It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are rebuilding the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king."

Nehemiah's response was one of faith and courage. He denied the false accusations and continued to rely on God's guidance and protection. Nehemiah 6:8-9 records his reply: "I sent him this reply: 'There is nothing to these rumors you are spreading; you are inventing them in your own mind.' For they were all trying to intimidate us, thinking, 'Their hands will drop from the work, and it will never be finished.' But now, O God, strengthen my hands."

The Role of Shemaiah

In a final attempt to deceive Nehemiah, Sanballat and his allies hired Shemaiah, a false prophet, to lure Nehemiah into the temple under the pretense of seeking refuge from an assassination plot. Nehemiah, however, recognized this as a trap designed to discredit him. Nehemiah 6:12-13 reveals his discernment: "I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had uttered this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would commit a sin by doing this, and then they would give me a bad name to discredit me."

Significance

The account of Sanballat's deception underscores the importance of discernment, faith, and perseverance in the face of opposition. Nehemiah's unwavering commitment to God's work serves as an enduring example of leadership and integrity. His reliance on prayer and divine strength enabled him to overcome deceit and complete the task entrusted to him, ultimately leading to the successful restoration of Jerusalem's walls and the renewal of the Jewish community.

Nave's Topical Index

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 built the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors on the gates;)
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