Sanballat is a significant figure in the Old Testament, primarily known for his opposition to Nehemiah during the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. He is mentioned in the Book of Nehemiah as a persistent adversary to the Jewish people returning from Babylonian exile. Sanballat's actions and motivations provide insight into the political and social dynamics of the region during the Persian period.

Historical Context

Sanballat was a Samaritan leader and is often identified as the governor of Samaria. His name is believed to be of Babylonian origin, meaning "Sin has given life." The Samaritans were a mixed population that arose after the Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, and they often had contentious relations with the returning Jewish exiles.

Opposition to Nehemiah

Sanballat's primary role in the biblical narrative is as an antagonist to Nehemiah, who was appointed by King Artaxerxes I of Persia to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Sanballat, along with Tobiah the Ammonite and Geshem the Arab, opposed this effort, fearing the political and economic implications of a fortified Jerusalem.

In Nehemiah 2:10, Sanballat's displeasure is evident: "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." His opposition is further detailed in Nehemiah 4:1-3, where he mocks the Jews and questions their ability to rebuild the wall: "What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from the heaps of rubble—burned as they are?"

Tactics and Strategies

Sanballat employed various tactics to thwart Nehemiah's efforts. These included mockery, threats of violence, and attempts to lure Nehemiah into a trap. In Nehemiah 6:2, Sanballat and Geshem sent a message to Nehemiah, saying, "Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono." However, Nehemiah recognized this as a ploy to harm him and refused to meet.

Sanballat also attempted to intimidate Nehemiah through false reports and accusations. In Nehemiah 6:6-7, he sent an open letter accusing Nehemiah of plotting rebellion and intending to become king, hoping to alarm the Persian authorities and halt the construction.

Religious and Social Implications

Sanballat's opposition to Nehemiah was not merely political but also had religious undertones. The Samaritans had their own temple on Mount Gerizim and a distinct form of worship, which often clashed with the Jewish practices centered in Jerusalem. Sanballat's resistance can be seen as an effort to maintain Samaritan influence and prevent the re-establishment of Jerusalem as a religious and cultural center.

Legacy

Sanballat's legacy is one of opposition to God's people and their divinely ordained mission. His actions serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by the Jewish community in re-establishing their identity and faith practices after the exile. Despite his efforts, Nehemiah successfully completed the wall, demonstrating the triumph of faith and perseverance over adversity.

Sanballat's account is a testament to the enduring conflict between those who seek to follow God's will and those who oppose it, highlighting the importance of discernment, courage, and reliance on divine guidance in the face of opposition.Sanaballat

Probably a native of Hornaim in the land of Moab, and a great enemy of the Jews. He may have received from the Persian government some authority over the Samaritans of imported Cuthites, as one of the governors west of the Euphrates. When Nehemiah came from Shushan to Jerusalem, Nehemiah 2:10,19, B. C. 454, and began to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, Sanaballat, Tobiah, and Geshem taunted him, and sent to inquire on what authority he undertook this enterprise, and whether it were not a revolt against the king. Nehemiah nevereless proceeded with vigor in his undertaking, and completed the walls of the city, Nehemiah 2:10 4:6.

Nehemiah being obliged to return to king Artaxerxes at Shushan, Nehemiah 13:6, B. C. 441, in his absence the high priest Eliashib married his grandson Manasseh son of Joiada to a daughter of Sanballat and allowed Tobiah, a kinsman of Sanballat, an apartment in the temple. Nehemiah, on his return to Jerusalem, (the exact year of which is not known,) drove Tobiah out of the temple, and would not suffer Manasseh the high priest's grandson to continue in the city, nor to perform the functions of the priesthood. Manasseh being thus expelled retired to his father-in-law Sanballat, who provided him the means of exercising his priestly office on Mount Gerizim. See GERIZIM and SAMARITANS.

Who were Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem? | GotQuestions.org

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