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 efforts to restore their city after the Babylonian exile.

Historical Context

Sanballat was a Samaritan leader and is often identified as the governor of Samaria during the Persian period. His name, which may mean "Sin has given life," suggests a connection to the moon god Sin, indicating his likely pagan background. Sanballat's opposition to Nehemiah is set against the backdrop of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and their efforts to reestablish Jerusalem as a fortified city and religious center.

Biblical References

Sanballat first appears in Nehemiah 2:10, where he is described as being "deeply disturbed" by Nehemiah's arrival in Jerusalem to seek the welfare of the Israelites. His opposition is further detailed in Nehemiah 2:19, where he, along with Tobiah the Ammonite and Geshem the Arab, mocks and ridicules the Jews, accusing them of rebelling against the king.

In Nehemiah 4:1-3, Sanballat's hostility intensifies as he becomes "furious" and "very indignant" upon hearing that the Jews are rebuilding the wall. He ridicules their efforts, questioning their ability to restore the wall from the rubble. Despite his mockery, Nehemiah and the Jews continue their work, undeterred by the scorn.

Sanballat's opposition reaches a climax in Nehemiah 6, where he attempts to lure Nehemiah into a trap by inviting him to meet in one of the villages on the plain of Ono. Nehemiah, discerning the plot, refuses to meet with him, stating, "I am doing a great work and cannot come down" (Nehemiah 6:3). Sanballat's persistence is evident as he sends the same message four times, each time receiving the same response from Nehemiah.

Religious and Political Implications

Sanballat's opposition to Nehemiah can be understood in both religious and political terms. As a Samaritan leader, Sanballat likely viewed the rebuilding of Jerusalem as a threat to his own authority and influence in the region. The Samaritans, who had their own religious practices and temple on Mount Gerizim, were often at odds with the Jews, who sought to reestablish Jerusalem as the center of worship according to the Law of Moses.

Sanballat's actions reflect the broader tensions between the returning Jewish exiles and the surrounding peoples who had settled in the land during the exile. His attempts to thwart Nehemiah's efforts highlight the challenges faced by the Jewish community in reestablishing their identity and religious practices in the face of external opposition.

Archaeological and Historical Evidence

Outside of the biblical narrative, Sanballat is mentioned in the Elephantine Papyri, a collection of ancient Jewish documents from the 5th century BC. These papyri refer to a Sanballat as the governor of Samaria, lending historical credibility to the biblical account. The papyri also provide insight into the political landscape of the time, illustrating the complex relationships between the Persian authorities, local governors, and the Jewish community.

Legacy

Sanballat's legacy is primarily defined by his opposition to the work of God through Nehemiah. His actions serve as a reminder of the persistent challenges faced by God's people in fulfilling their divine mission. Despite his efforts to hinder the rebuilding of Jerusalem, the wall was completed in fifty-two days, a testament to the determination and faith of Nehemiah and the Jewish people (Nehemiah 6:15-16).Sanbal'lat (10 Occurrences)

Nehemiah 2:10
And when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly, for that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 2:19
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?'
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 4:1
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.
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 4:7
But it came to pass that, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem went forward, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth;
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 6:1
Now it came to pass, when it was reported to Sanballat and Tobiah, and to Geshem the Arabian, and unto the rest of our enemies, that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein--though even unto that time I had not set up the doors in the gates--
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 6:2
that Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying: 'Come, let us meet together in one of the villages in the plain of Ono.' But they thought to do me mischief.
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 6:5
Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand;
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 6:12
And I discerned, and, lo, God had not sent him; for he pronounced this prophecy against me, whereas Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 6:14
Remember, O my God, Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and also the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have me put in fear.
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 13:28
And one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite; therefore I chased him from me.
(See RSV)

Sanbal'lat (10 Occurrences)
Sanbal'lat. Sanballat, Sanbal'lat. Sanctification . Multi-Version
Concordance Sanbal'lat (10 Occurrences). Nehemiah 2:10 And when ...
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Sanballat (10 Occurrences)

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Sanctification (13 Occurrences)

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