Topical Encyclopedia Sanballat is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the Book of Nehemiah. He is often associated with opposition and envy towards the Jewish people during the period of their return from Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. Sanballat's actions and motivations provide a vivid example of envy manifesting in hostility and obstruction.Historical Context Sanballat was a Samaritan leader and governor of Samaria during the time of Nehemiah, around the mid-5th century BC. The Samaritans were a mixed population that had settled in the region of Samaria after the Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. They had developed their own religious practices, which were a syncretism of Israelite and foreign elements. This often led to tension and rivalry with the returning Jewish exiles who sought to reestablish their distinct religious and cultural identity centered in Jerusalem. Biblical Account Sanballat first appears in the Book of Nehemiah as an adversary to Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. His opposition is characterized by envy and fear of losing influence and control over the region. Nehemiah 2:10 notes, "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." Sanballat's envy is further demonstrated through his attempts to undermine Nehemiah's work. He, along with Tobiah and Geshem the Arab, mocked and ridiculed the Jews, questioning their ability to rebuild the walls (Nehemiah 4:1-3). "When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became furious and mocked the Jews. Before his colleagues and the army of Samaria, he said, '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?'" Despite their mockery, Nehemiah and the Jewish people continued their work, undeterred by the opposition. Sanballat's envy escalated to plotting violence against the builders. Nehemiah 4:7-8 records, "When Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the people of Ashdod heard that the repair to the walls of Jerusalem was progressing and that the gaps were being closed, they were furious, and all of them conspired to come and fight against Jerusalem and create a hindrance." Spiritual Implications Sanballat's actions serve as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of envy. His inability to rejoice in the success and restoration of others led to hostility and conflict. Envy, as demonstrated by Sanballat, can blind individuals to the greater purposes of God and lead to actions that oppose His will. The biblical narrative highlights the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in the face of envy and opposition. Nehemiah's response to Sanballat's envy was rooted in prayer and reliance on God. Nehemiah 4:9 states, "So we prayed to our God and posted a guard against them day and night." Sanballat's account is a reminder of the spiritual battle against envy and the need to align one's heart with God's purposes, seeking the welfare of others rather than succumbing to jealousy and rivalry. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 2:10When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Cheer Up, My Comrades! The Antiquities of the Jews Discussion of the Subject of Permission Resources What are capital sins? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about jealousy? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard? | GotQuestions.org Envy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Envy: A Proof of Carnal-Mindedness Envy: Excited by Good Deeds of Others Envy: General Scriptures Concerning Envy: Inconsistent With the Gospel Envy: Jews, of Paul and Barnabas Envy: Joseph's Brethren, of Joseph Envy: Joshua, of Eldad and Medad Envy: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, of Moses Envy: Leads to Every Evil Work Envy: Miriam and Aaron, of Moses Envy: Produced by Foolish Disputation Envy: Prosperity of the Wicked should not Excite Envy: The Princes of Babylon, of Daniel Related Terms Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences) Long-suffering (23 Occurrences) |
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