Sanballat, the governor of Samaria during the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, stands out as a key antagonist in the book of Nehemiah. His opposition to Nehemiah was not merely personal but deeply rooted in political, religious, and cultural tensions. Known for his relentless attempts to halt the reconstruction, Sanballat’s hostility symbolizes the broader challenges that arise when God’s people seek to fulfill His purposes. Despite his schemes, the story of Sanballat ultimately demonstrates the triumph of faith, resilience, and divine sovereignty over opposition.
Words: 1147 / Time to read: 6 minutes
Historical Context and Role
Sanballat’s enmity toward Nehemiah must be understood in its historical and cultural context. The rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, as recorded in Nehemiah, was a significant milestone for the Jewish exiles returning from Babylon. The walls symbolized not only physical security but also the restoration of Israel’s identity as God’s covenant people. For Sanballat, a fortified and thriving Jerusalem threatened the delicate balance of power in the region, particularly his authority as a Samaritan leader.
Samaritans, descended from a mix of Israelites and foreign peoples brought into the land during the Assyrian exile, claimed a form of worship to Yahweh mixed with pagan practices. Sanballat, as governor of Samaria, likely saw Jerusalem’s restoration as a challenge to Samaritan religious and political influence. This underlying tension between Jews and Samaritans is echoed throughout biblical history, reaching its peak in Jesus’ interactions with the Samaritan woman (John 4:9).
Sanballat’s actions reflect more than mere political rivalry; they reveal a deep-seated spiritual opposition to God’s plans. As Nehemiah sought to rebuild the walls in obedience to God’s direction, Sanballat emerged as a determined adversary, representing the resistance that often accompanies God’s work.
Tactics of Opposition
Sanballat’s hostility toward Nehemiah and the rebuilding effort unfolds vividly in Nehemiah 2-6, where his tactics escalate from mockery to outright conspiracy.
- Mockery and Ridicule
Sanballat’s initial strategy was to mock and discourage the Jewish workers. Nehemiah 4:1-2 describes his derision:“When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, ‘What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day?’”
This ridicule aimed to sow doubt and fear among the workers, undermining their confidence in their mission. His ally Tobiah the Ammonite joined in, sarcastically suggesting that even a fox could topple their wall (Nehemiah 4:3).
- Threats and Conspiracy
When mockery failed to halt progress, Sanballat escalated to threats and conspiracy. Along with Tobiah and Geshem the Arab, he plotted to attack Jerusalem and disrupt the construction. Nehemiah 4:7-8 captures their intent:“But 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.”
In response, Nehemiah turned to prayer and took practical measures, stationing guards and arming workers to ensure the construction continued despite the threat (Nehemiah 4:9-13).
- Deceit and Intimidation
Failing to stop the work through open opposition, Sanballat resorted to deceit. He repeatedly invited Nehemiah to a meeting in the plain of Ono, intending to harm him. Nehemiah, discerning the plot, refused each invitation, declaring, “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down” (Nehemiah 6:3).
Sanballat’s final attempt involved spreading false accusations and employing a false prophet to intimidate Nehemiah into hiding, hoping to discredit his leadership. Nehemiah 6:12-13 reveals his discernment of this scheme:
“I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had prophesied against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would commit a sin by doing this, and then they would give me a bad name to discredit me.”
Legacy as an Antagonist
Sanballat’s persistent opposition underscores the spiritual and physical challenges that God’s people often face when carrying out His purposes. Yet his failure also highlights God’s sovereignty and protection. Despite Sanballat’s schemes, the wall was completed in an astonishing 52 days. Nehemiah 6:15-16 records the impact of this accomplishment:
“So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.”
Sanballat’s story is a reminder that no amount of human opposition can thwart God’s plans. His relentless efforts to derail Nehemiah’s work only served to highlight the resilience of faithful servants and the power of divine intervention.
Lessons from Sanballat’s Opposition
Sanballat’s story offers timeless lessons for believers facing opposition in their own efforts to fulfill God’s calling:
- Faithfulness in the Face of Opposition
Nehemiah’s unwavering commitment to God’s mission serves as a model of faithfulness. Even when faced with mockery, threats, and deceit, he remained steadfast, trusting in God’s provision and protection. - The Importance of Discernment
Nehemiah’s ability to recognize Sanballat’s schemes demonstrates the need for spiritual discernment. His refusal to be drawn into traps or intimidated by false accusations highlights the wisdom of relying on God’s guidance. - God’s Sovereignty Over Adversity
Sanballat’s failure illustrates the futility of opposing God’s plans. Just as the wall was completed despite relentless opposition, believers can trust that God will accomplish His purposes, no matter the obstacles. - Prayer and Action
Nehemiah’s response to opposition was both spiritual and practical. He prayed for God’s protection while also taking proactive steps to safeguard the work, demonstrating the importance of combining faith with action.
Conclusion
Sanballat’s relentless opposition to Nehemiah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges that often accompany God’s work. Yet his repeated failures underscore the triumph of faith, resilience, and divine sovereignty. While Sanballat’s legacy is one of defiance, Nehemiah’s faithfulness and the completion of the wall stand as a testament to God’s protection and provision. Sanballat’s story reminds us that no earthly power can thwart God’s plans, and His purposes will always prevail through the obedience and perseverance of His people.
“So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God (Nehemiah 6:15-16).”
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
