But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?

NEHEMIAH 2:19KJV
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Nehemiah 2:19 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 2:19 mean?

Nehemiah 2:19 describes how three local leaders—Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite servant, and Geshem the Arabian—mocked and looked down on Nehemiah and his group when they heard about their plans, accusing them of rebelling against the king. The verse shows the immediate opposition Nehemiah faced as he tried to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls.

In this verse, the local officials are not just laughing at Nehemiah but also questioning his motives and authority. Their reaction highlights the political tension in the region and the suspicion surrounding any effort to restore Jerusalem. The accusation of rebellion is serious, since it could bring trouble from the Persian king who ruled over them all.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 2:19

  • סָנְבַלַּט (Sanballat, sanballat): This is the name of one of Nehemiah’s main opponents, likely a governor from a nearby region. His opposition signals organized resistance, not just casual criticism.
  • עֶבֶד (ʿeved, servant): Tobiah is called a "servant," which often means an official or subordinate. This suggests Tobiah had some authority or official role, not just personal animosity.
  • לָעַג (laʿag, scorn): The word for "scorn" means to mock or ridicule. This is more than just laughing; it’s a public shaming meant to undermine Nehemiah’s credibility.
  • מָרַד (marad, rebel): The word for "rebel" is strong and often used for serious revolt against a king. Their accusation could have put Nehemiah in real danger with the Persian authorities.

Why Nehemiah 2:19 matters

  • This verse clears up that Nehemiah’s work was not welcomed by everyone; it faced immediate and organized opposition from powerful neighbors.
  • The accusation of rebellion shows how easily Nehemiah’s actions could be misunderstood or twisted, highlighting the risk and courage involved in his mission.
  • Nehemiah 2:19 sets up the ongoing conflict that runs through the rest of the book, showing that rebuilding Jerusalem was not just a construction project but a politically charged act.

Where else these words appear

“Horonite” Hebrew H2772 · used in 3 verses

  • Nehemiah 2:10 When 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.
  • Nehemiah 13:28 And one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son in law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased him from me.

“Geshem” Hebrew H1654 · used in 4 verses

  • Nehemiah 6:1 Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein;(though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;)
  • Nehemiah 6:2 That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.
  • Nehemiah 6:6 Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.

“Arabian” Hebrew H6163 · used in 9 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 17:11 Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.
  • 2 Chronicles 22:1 And the inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ahaziah his youngest son king in his stead: for the band of men that came with the Arabians to the camp had slain all the eldest. So Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah reigned.
  • Nehemiah 6:1 Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein;(though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;)

“Sanballat” Hebrew H5571 · used in 10 verses

  • Nehemiah 2:10 When 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.
  • Nehemiah 6:1 Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein;(though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;)
  • Nehemiah 6:12 And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.