Topical Bible: Falsehood: Sanballat in Trying to Obstruct the Rebuilding of Jerusalem

◄ Falsehood: Sanballat in Trying to Obstruct the Rebuilding of Jerusalem ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Sanballat, a prominent figure in the Book of Nehemiah, is often associated with opposition and falsehood in his attempts to thwart the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. As a Samaritan leader, Sanballat's actions are emblematic of the external resistance faced by the Jewish people during their efforts to restore their city under Nehemiah's leadership.

Historical Context

Sanballat was the governor of Samaria during the time of Nehemiah, who was appointed by the Persian king Artaxerxes I to oversee the reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls. This period, around the mid-5th century BC, was marked by political tension and hostility between the returning Jewish exiles and the surrounding peoples, including the Samaritans.

Opposition and Deception

Sanballat's opposition to Nehemiah's mission is documented in several instances throughout the Book of Nehemiah. His tactics included mockery, intimidation, and deceit, all aimed at discouraging the Jewish people from completing their work.

1. Mockery and Ridicule: Sanballat's initial response to the rebuilding efforts was one of scorn and derision. In Nehemiah 4:1-2 , it is recorded, "Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became furious and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews before his associates and the army of Samaria, saying, 'What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore the wall for themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring these burnt stones back to life from the mounds of rubble?'"

2. Conspiracy and Intimidation: As the work progressed, Sanballat, along with Tobiah the Ammonite and others, conspired to attack Jerusalem and create confusion. Nehemiah 4:7-8 states, "When Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it."

3. Deceptive Invitations: In a more subtle attempt to undermine Nehemiah, Sanballat resorted to deceit by inviting Nehemiah to meet in the plain of Ono, intending to harm him. Nehemiah 6:2 records, "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."

4. False Prophecies and Intimidation: Sanballat also employed false prophets to intimidate Nehemiah. In Nehemiah 6:10-13 , Nehemiah recounts how a false prophet named Shemaiah attempted to frighten him into hiding in the temple, an act that would have discredited him. Nehemiah recognized this as a ploy orchestrated by Sanballat and Tobiah, saying, "I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had uttered this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him."

Spiritual Implications

Sanballat's actions serve as a cautionary tale about the power of falsehood and deceit in opposing God's work. His persistent efforts to obstruct the rebuilding of Jerusalem highlight the spiritual warfare faced by those committed to fulfilling divine purposes. Despite Sanballat's schemes, Nehemiah's reliance on prayer, discernment, and steadfastness in the face of opposition exemplifies the triumph of truth and faith over falsehood and deception.

Conclusion

Sanballat's role in the narrative of Nehemiah underscores the challenges of external opposition and the use of falsehood as a weapon against God's people. His account is a reminder of the need for vigilance, prayer, and reliance on God's guidance in overcoming deceit and fulfilling His purposes.

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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