Nehemiah 4:1-2
Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews. And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Sanballat's rage wasn't just simple anger; the Hebrew word used here suggests a deep, internal burning indignation that goes beyond mere frustration. This inner turmoil fueled his outward mockery, revealing that the enemies' scorn often masks a more profound vexation at the progress and hope of God's people.
As Nehemiah and the people begin rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, their enemies, led by Sanballat, hear about the progress. This news enrages Sanballat, who, along with his allies like Tobiah, begins mocking and belittling the efforts of the "feeble Jews." They express disbelief that such a seemingly small and weak group could accomplish such a massive task, especially using rubble from the old ruins.
When Nehemiah and the people began rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, the response wasn't silence. It was immediate, potent anger and scorn.
Notice Sanballat's reaction in verse 1: "he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews." This isn't just mild annoyance; the original language points to a deep, almost burning anger.
Why the Rage?
This initial outburst of anger and mockery reveals a common pattern: opposition often escalates when perceived threats emerge.
Sanballat didn't just get angry; he used mockery. But behind the scornful words lay a deeper fear and calculation.
Sanballat's jeers weren't just empty insults. He belittled the Jews, asking "What do these feeble Jews do?" and implying they couldn't possibly succeed.
The Strategy Behind the Scorn:
Understand the original words
Sanballat · Hebrew Proper Noun
A term often denoting a leader or governor, specifically here representing an opponent of the work of God in restoring Jerusalem. In a broader biblical context, it signifies those who resist God's purposes and his people.
ka'as · Hebrew Verb
A state of intense mental or emotional displeasure, often associated with opposition to God's will. In scripture, it can refer to both human reaction and the righteous judgment of God.
la'ag · Hebrew Verb
To mock, scorn, or ridicule. It is frequently used in the Bible to describe the attitude of the ungodly toward those who follow the Lord or trust in His promises.
umlal · Hebrew Adjective
This verse captures the immediate hostile reaction from regional powers like Samaria and Ammon when Jerusalem, a long-downtrodden rival, begins to re-establish its defenses under Nehemiah's leadership.
c. 457 BC
Ezra's Reforms
Ezra the scribe returns to Jerusalem with a contingent of Jews and religious reforms, emphasizing strict adherence to the Law and separation from foreign influences.
c. 445 BC
Nehemiah Appointed Governor
Nehemiah, cupbearer to the Persian King Artaxerxes I, is appointed governor of Judah and given permission to rebuild Jerusalem's walls.
c. 445 BC
Inspection of Jerusalem's Walls
Nehemiah makes a secret nighttime inspection of Jerusalem's damaged walls to assess the scope of the work and the feasibility of rebuilding.
c. 445 BC
Nehemiah Announces Rebuilding Plan
Nehemiah reveals his plan to the Jewish leaders and people, who are inspired to begin the monumental task of reconstructing the walls.
c. 445 BC
This passage describes rulers plotting against the Lord and His Anointed, mirroring Sanballat's opposition to God's people and their divinely appointed task. It highlights the futility of human schemes against divine purpose, even when met with mockery.
Nehemiah 2:19-20This passage immediately precedes the account of Sanballat's mockery. It shows Sanballat and his allies attempting to dissuade Nehemiah through intimidation, demonstrating their consistent pattern of opposition and scorn towards the Jews' rebuilding efforts.
Matthew 5:10-12Jesus states, 'Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake.' This verse connects with Nehemiah's situation as the Jews faced mockery and persecution for undertaking a righteous task assigned by God, offering a perspective of blessing amidst such trials.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9The Apostle Paul describes believers as being 'hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.' This reflects the Nehemiah's and the Jews' experience of facing intense opposition and mockery while continuing their work.
cambridgeNehemiah 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."
Ch. Nehemiah 4:1-23 . The Opposition to the Work. ( a ) 1–6 . The ridicule of the Samaritans. ( b ) 7–23. The menaces of the foe, and the precautions taken by Nehemiah 1 . The IVth Chapter in ordinary editions of the Hebrew text does not begin till Nehemiah 4:7 . and took great indignation ] The form of the word here used in the original is of r…
ellicottNehemiah 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."
(1) Mocked the Jews. —The mockery comes afterwards. Here, as often in Nehemiah, a general statement is made which is afterwards expanded.
Sanballat's rage wasn't just simple anger; the Hebrew word used here suggests a deep, internal burning indignation that goes beyond mere frustration. This inner turmoil fueled his outward mockery, revealing that the enemies' scorn often masks a more profound vexation at the progress and hope of God's people.
As Nehemiah and the people begin rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, their enemies, led by Sanballat, hear about the progress. This news enrages Sanballat, who, along with his allies like Tobiah, begins mocking and belittling the efforts of the "feeble Jews." They express disbelief that such a seemingly small and weak group could accomplish such a massive task, especially using rubble from the old ruins.
As Nehemiah and the people begin rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, their enemies, led by Sanballat, hear about the progress. This news enrages Sanballat, who, along with his allies like Tobiah, begins mocking and belittling the efforts of the "feeble Jews." They express disbelief that such a seemingly small and weak group could accomplish such a massive task, especially using rubble from the old ruins.
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This verse shows that mockery is a powerful tool of opposition, designed to undermine faith and resolve by magnifying perceived weaknesses.
An adjective describing weakness, lacking strength or ability. In scripture, it is often used by enemies to disparage God’s people, though God frequently uses the weak to shame the strong.
zabach · Hebrew Verb
A term for a sacrificial offering, specifically the act of presenting an animal or gift to God. It is a central act of worship and covenant relationship in the Old Testament.
Yehudiy · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
A term for the covenant people of God, chosen by Him to be a light to the nations. It signifies identity as part of God’s redemptive plan throughout history.
Opposition Begins
Upon hearing of the rebuilding efforts, Sanballat the Horonite (likely governor of Samaria), Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arabian begin to mock and threaten the Jews.
c. 445 BC
Work Continues Amidst Threats
Despite the escalating threats and ridicule, Nehemiah organizes the workers and implements security measures, allowing the wall construction to progress.
"Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews. And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they rest…" — Sanballat's rage wasn't just simple anger; the Hebrew word used here suggests a deep, internal burning indignation that goes beyond mere frustration. This inner turmoil fueled his outward mockery, re…
