Nehemiah 2:19

But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the seruant the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian heard it, they laughed vs to scorne, and despised vs, and said, What is this thing that yee doe? will ye rebell against the king? Nehemiah 2:19 (KJV)

The book of Nehemiah is set in the period after the Israelites returned from exile in Babylon. Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the Persian king, learned of Jerusalem’s broken walls and the distress of its people. Burdened by this news, he obtained the king’s permission to go to Jerusalem, assess the situation, and rally support for rebuilding the city’s defenses.

When Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the servant (an Ammonite), and Geshem the Arabian learned of Nehemiah’s plan, they reacted with mockery and scorn. They laughed at the Israelites, despised them, and questioned their motives, asking, “What is this thing that ye do? Will ye rebel against the king?” Their opposition stemmed from a fear that the restored walls would threaten their own power and influence in the region.

Sanballat, a governor of Samaria, Tobiah, a high‑ranking Ammonite official, and Geshem, an Arabian leader, saw the reconstruction as a direct challenge. Their derisive remarks were intended to discourage the people of Israel, to sow division, and to halt the work before it began.

The passage offers several timeless lessons. First, opposition often accompanies God’s work; mockery and scorn are common responses when God’s people pursue His purposes. Second, determination is essential—Nehemiah did not waver despite the ridicule, demonstrating steadfastness and reliance on God’s provision. Third, the appropriate response to opposition is not retaliation but trust in God’s wisdom, humility, and continued focus on the task at hand. Finally, the episode reminds believers that when God calls us to a task, He equips us to see it through, even in the face of powerful adversaries.

In conclusion, Nehemiah 2:19 highlights the hostile reaction of Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem to the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. Their scorn underscores the typical resistance encountered in God‑directed endeavors. Nehemiah’s unwavering resolve, confidence in God’s purpose, and graceful handling of opposition provide a model for believers today: remain steadfast, trust God’s plan, and respond to challenges with grace and perseverance.