Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem were leaders who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple under Nehemiah’s leadership. Here is an overview of what the Bible tells us about each of these men:
Sanballat
Sanballat is first mentioned in Nehemiah 2:10 when he was “greatly angered” upon hearing that Nehemiah had come to Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls. Sanballat was likely a governor of Samaria appointed by the Persian empire (Nehemiah 4:1-2). He came from Horonaim, an area of Moab (Isaiah 15:5). Sanballat opposed the reconstruction efforts in Jerusalem and mocked the builders, questioning their intentions (Nehemiah 4:1-3). Along with Tobiah and Geshem, Sanballat plotted against Nehemiah and tried to lure him away from the project (Nehemiah 6:1-2). Sanballat and his allies even planned an attack against Jerusalem, but Nehemiah prayed and set up guards to protect the workers (Nehemiah 4:7-9, 15).
Sanballat had familial ties to the priesthood in Jerusalem, as his daughter was married to a grandson of Eliashib the high priest (Nehemiah 13:28). This marriage violated Mosaic law prohibiting such unions (Nehemiah 13:23-25; Deuteronomy 7:3-4). Nehemiah forcefully rebuked the priests over this unlawful marriage alliance formed with Sanballat. Despite Sanballat’s continued opposition, the rebuilding project was eventually completed in just 52 days (Nehemiah 6:15).
Key passages about Sanballat:
- Nehemiah 2:10, 19
- Nehemiah 4:1-9
- Nehemiah 6:1-14
- Nehemiah 13:28
Tobiah
Tobiah the Ammonite was another regional leader who opposed Nehemiah’s reconstruction efforts in Jerusalem. When Nehemiah arrived, Tobiah mocked the attempt to rebuild the walls saying even a fox could knock them down (Nehemiah 4:3). Tobiah, like Sanballat, was part of the plot to distract and harm Nehemiah (Nehemiah 6:1-2, 17-19). Letters were exchanged between Tobiah and nobles of Judah who were informants against Nehemiah (Nehemiah 6:17-19).
Although an Ammonite outsider, Tobiah ingratiated himself to Eliashib the high priest, gaining access to a large storeroom in the temple courts (Nehemiah 13:4-5). Nehemiah strongly condemned this desecration of sacred space and had Tobiah forcibly removed from the temple complex (Nehemiah 13:7-9). Despite Tobiah’s undermining efforts, Nehemiah persevered in rebuilding the walls, recognizing God’s providential protection (Nehemiah 6:15-16).
Key passages about Tobiah:
- Nehemiah 2:10, 19
- Nehemiah 4:3, 7
- Nehemiah 6:1-4, 12-14, 17-19
- Nehemiah 13:4-8
Geshem
Geshem the Arab joined together with Sanballat and Tobiah to oppose Nehemiah and the rebuilding project. Little is known about Geshem except that he ruled over the Arabs south of Judah. Along with Sanballat and Tobiah, Geshem mocked and threatened Nehemiah, trying to intimidate him into stopping the reconstruction of Jerusalem’s walls (Nehemiah 2:19, 4:1, 7, 6:1-2). Geshem also sent a letter accusing Nehemiah of rebelling against the Persian king Artaxerxes, but Nehemiah denied the false charges (Nehemiah 6:6-7).
Key passages about Geshem:
- Nehemiah 2:19
- Nehemiah 6:1-2, 6
United Opposition to Rebuilding Jerusalem
Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem represented different regional powers surrounding Judah – Samaria, Ammon, and the Arabs. Despite their diverse backgrounds, these leaders united together in their opposition to Nehemiah and the reconstruction project in Jerusalem. They likely felt threatened by the prospect of a rebuilt Jerusalem with strong defensive fortifications. A powerful Judah could potentially disrupt the regional authority Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem held over their territories.
The motives behind their opposition included:
- Political power and regional authority concerns
- Economic and financial interests if Judah grew stronger
- Ethnic prejudice against the Jews
- Spiritual hatred of the true God of Israel
These enemies tried a variety of strategies to stop the rebuilding efforts:
- Mockery and intimidation (Nehemiah 4:1-3)
- Threats of violence against the builders (Nehemiah 4:7-12, 15)
- Distractions and luring Nehemiah away (Nehemiah 6:1-4)
- False accusations of rebellion (Nehemiah 6:5-7)
- An insider attack with spies spreading rumors (Nehemiah 6:10-14)
- Infiltration by compromising the priesthood (Nehemiah 13:4-9)
However, Nehemiah and the people persevered through prayer, spiritual discernment, guards, weapons, and unity of purpose. They recognized God’s sovereign protection over them, saying “our God will fight for us!” (Nehemiah 4:14, 20). In just 52 days, the walls were rebuilt. Opposition did not ultimately prevent God’s purposes from being accomplished through Nehemiah and the people (Nehemiah 6:15-16).
Lessons from Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem
The account of Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem’s opposition to Nehemiah rebuilding Jerusalem provides some valuable lessons:
- Expect opposition when doing God’s work (1 Corinthians 16:9).
- Pray continually and trust God for protection against spiritual enemies (Nehemiah 4:9).
- Don’t be distracted or deterred by resistance, focus on God’s calling (Nehemiah 6:3).
- Stand firm when adversaries try to intimidate and discourage (Nehemiah 6:9-11).
- Be discerning about false accusations and distortions of truth (Nehemiah 6:5-9).
- Guard against compromise with sin and infiltrators (Nehemiah 13:4-9).
- Finish the work God has called you to, don’t quit (Nehemiah 6:15-16).
Nehemiah’s Example
Nehemiah provides a model for persevering through opposition in accomplishing God’s work:
- He responded to criticism and threats with prayer and wisdom (Nehemiah 4:4-5, 9).
- He refused to be intimidated or distracted by resistance (Nehemiah 6:3).
- He exposed adversary’s lies and plots through discernment (Nehemiah 6:8).
- He purified the temple and priesthood from compromise (Nehemiah 13:4-9).
- He finished rebuilding the walls in 52 days by God’s power (Nehemiah 6:15).
As God told Zerubbabel when rebuilding the temple, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6). The same Spirit that empowered Nehemiah dwells in believers today to accomplish God’s work despite opposition.
Conclusion
Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem provide a biblical case study on dealing with resistance when carrying out God’s plans. Their intimidation and opposition did not ultimately succeed because Nehemiah relied on prayer and discernment while persisting in the work. When facing similar opposition today, believers can find encouragement from Nehemiah’s example to persevere by God’s strength, stand firm in the truth, and stay focused on finishing what God has called them to build for His glory.