Introduction:
Tobiah is a biblical figure prominently mentioned in the Book of Nehemiah. He is known for his opposition to Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Tobiah's actions and character are often examined in the context of his antagonism towards the Jewish people and their restoration efforts after the Babylonian exile.

Historical Context:
Tobiah was an Ammonite official, and his presence is noted during the period of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon. The Ammonites were descendants of Lot and were often in conflict with the Israelites. Tobiah's opposition is set against the backdrop of the Persian Empire's rule, which allowed the Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild their city and temple.

Biblical References:
Tobiah is first introduced in Nehemiah 2:10, where it is noted that he was displeased with Nehemiah's arrival to seek the welfare of the Israelites: "When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were very displeased that someone had come to seek the well-being of the Israelites."

Throughout the Book of Nehemiah, Tobiah is depicted as a persistent adversary. In Nehemiah 4:3, he mocks the efforts of the Jews, saying, "Even if a fox were to climb up on it, he would break down their wall of stones!" This ridicule was part of a broader campaign to demoralize and intimidate the builders.

Tobiah's opposition escalates as he conspires with others to attack Jerusalem and halt the construction. Nehemiah 6:1-2 describes how Tobiah, along with Sanballat and Geshem, attempted to lure Nehemiah into a trap: "When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall and that no gap was left in it... they 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."

Character and Actions:
Tobiah's actions are characterized by deceit, mockery, and persistent opposition. He is often seen as a symbol of external threats to God's people and their divinely ordained missions. His alliances with other adversaries highlight the challenges faced by the Jewish community during this period of restoration.

In Nehemiah 13:4-9, Tobiah's influence is further revealed when it is discovered that he had been given a room in the temple courts by Eliashib the priest. Nehemiah, upon returning to Jerusalem, was outraged and took immediate action to cleanse the temple: "I was greatly displeased and threw all of Tobiah’s household goods out of the room."

Theological Significance:
Tobiah's opposition to Nehemiah and the rebuilding efforts is often interpreted as a representation of the spiritual warfare faced by God's people. His actions serve as a reminder of the persistent challenges and opposition that believers may encounter in their pursuit of God's purposes. Tobiah's presence in the narrative underscores the need for vigilance, prayer, and reliance on God in the face of adversity.

Conclusion:
While Tobiah's account is one of opposition and conflict, it also highlights the resilience and faithfulness of Nehemiah and the Jewish people. Through prayer, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment to God's mission, they were able to overcome the challenges posed by Tobiah and others, successfully completing the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls.2900. Tobiyyahu -- "Yah is my good," three Israelites, also an ...
... "Yah is my good," three Israelites, also an Ammonite. Transliteration: Tobiyyahu
or Tobiyyah Phonetic Spelling: (to-bee-yaw') Short Definition: Tobiah. ...
/hebrew/2900.htm - 6kTobiah's (2 Occurrences)
...Tobiah's (2 Occurrences). Nehemiah 6:17 Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah
sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them. ...
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Tobi'ah (15 Occurrences)
Tobi'ah. Tobiah, Tobi'ah. Tobiah's . ... Ezra 2:60 the children of Delaiah, the
children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred fifty and two. (See RSV) ...
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Tobi'ah's (1 Occurrence)
Tobi'ah's. Tobiah's, Tobi'ah's. Tobias . Multi-Version Concordance Tobi'ah's
(1 Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Tobiah's, Tobi'ah's. Tobias . Reference Bible.
/t/tobi'ah's.htm - 6k

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