When Sanballat Heard - Nehemiah 4:1

In the book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah went back to the city of Jerusalem and began to rebuild the wall. Among many people he employed was, “Meshullam the son of Berechiah over against his chamber. After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son unto the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the going up of the corner. And between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants”,and in chapter four and verse one of Nehemiah, Nehemiah shared what happened, “when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall”, where we read,

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.

The verse reads, “But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, ...” Nehemiah began with the words, “but it came to pass” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the following occurred and happened”, “that when Sanballat” which means “that at the time and moment Sanballat whose name means strength and was a Moabite of Horonaim and the opponent of Nehemiah and the returned exiles in their goal of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem” “heard that we builded the wall” or “listened to, perceived, gave attention to and took interest in that we, Nehemiah and the other men of Jerusalem, repaired, built up and reestablished the barrier wall that surrounded Jerusalem”, “he was wroth” which means “he, Sanballat, existed as hot, kindled, angry and furious”. Nehemiah said at the time and moment “Sanballat” became aware that the people of Jerusalem were rebuilding the barrier wall, He became furious over their activities.

The verse goes on to say, “... and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.” Nehemiah continued with the words, “and took great indignation” or “and became extremely vexed, indignant and provoked to anger”, “and mocked the Jews” which means “and derided, ridiculed and laughed at the Jehudates or Judaites who were descendants of Judah”. Nehemiah shared how “Sanballat” became indignant and ridiculed and laughed at the “Jewish” people.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Nehemiah how “Sanballat” perceived that the Jewish people were rebuilding the wall surrounding Jerusalem, and He was furious and indignant and began to ridicule them. God's work was going forth as He planned, however, it was not without opposition. When God works, Satan and his demonic forces attack. This was the case even with Jesus when He died on the cross for the sins of the world, and when He was raised from the dead three days later, He made the way for every person who believes and trusts in Him as their “Savior and Lord” to be forgiven of their sins, granted everlasting life and used in His Kingdom even when people like “Sanballat” oppose them.

Next time Nehemiah shares how Sanballat, “spoke before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".