Sanballat, Tobiah, and their allies, including the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites, are notable figures in the biblical narrative of Nehemiah, particularly in the context of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. Their opposition to Nehemiah's efforts is a significant theme in the Book of Nehemiah, highlighting the challenges faced by the Jewish people during the post-exilic period.

Sanballat the Horonite

Sanballat is identified as a Horonite, likely indicating his origin from Horonaim in Moab. He is portrayed as a chief antagonist in the Book of Nehemiah. Sanballat held a position of influence and authority, possibly as a governor under the Persian Empire, and was deeply opposed to the restoration of Jerusalem's walls. His opposition is first noted in Nehemiah 2:10: "When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were deeply disturbed that someone had come to seek the well-being of the Israelites."

Sanballat's hostility is further demonstrated through mockery and attempts to intimidate the Jewish builders. In Nehemiah 4:1-2, it is recorded: "Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became furious and mocked the Jews. Before his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, 'What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore the wall for themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring these burnt stones back to life from the mounds of rubble?'"

Tobiah the Ammonite

Tobiah, described as an Ammonite official, is another prominent adversary of Nehemiah. His lineage connects him to the Ammonites, a people often in conflict with Israel. Tobiah's opposition is closely aligned with that of Sanballat, and he is frequently mentioned alongside him. In Nehemiah 4:3, Tobiah's derision is recorded: "Then Tobiah the Ammonite, who was beside him, said, 'Even if a fox were to climb up on what they are building, it would break down their wall of stones!'"

Tobiah's influence extended into the Jewish community, as he had familial ties with some of the Jewish nobles, which he exploited to undermine Nehemiah's efforts. Nehemiah 6:17-19 notes, "Also in those days, the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came back to them. For many in Judah were bound by oath to him, since he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam son of Berechiah. Moreover, they kept reporting to me Tobiah’s good deeds and relaying my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me."

The Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites

The coalition against Nehemiah's work included not only Sanballat and Tobiah but also the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites. These groups represented the surrounding nations and peoples who felt threatened by the resurgence of Jerusalem as a fortified city. Nehemiah 4:7-8 describes their unified opposition: "When Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the people of Ashdod heard that the repair to the walls of Jerusalem was progressing and that the gaps were being closed, they were furious, and all of them conspired to come and fight against Jerusalem and create a hindrance."

The Arabs, likely led by Geshem, another adversary mentioned in Nehemiah, were part of the broader coalition. The Ammonites, historically antagonistic towards Israel, joined in the opposition, as did the Ashdodites, representing the Philistine city of Ashdod. Their collective efforts to thwart the rebuilding project included plans for military intervention and psychological warfare.

Significance in the Biblical Narrative

The opposition from Sanballat, Tobiah, and their allies serves as a backdrop to the perseverance and faith of Nehemiah and the Jewish people. Despite the external threats and internal challenges, Nehemiah's leadership and reliance on God enabled the successful completion of the wall. Nehemiah 6:15-16 records the triumph: "So the wall was completed in fifty-two days, on the twenty-fifth of Elul. 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."

This narrative underscores the themes of faith, resilience, and divine assistance in the face of adversity, illustrating the broader biblical message of God's providence and protection over His people.