Nehemiah: Sanballat's Opposition and Response

Questions and Answers

Who was furious and very indignant when he heard the Jews were rebuilding the wall in Jerusalem?

Sanballat

What was Sanballat's reaction when he heard the Jews were rebuilding the wall in Jerusalem?

furious and very indignant

Whom did Sanballat mock, after he heard the wall of Jerusalem was being rebuilt?

the Jews

What did Sanballat do to the Jews, after he heard they were rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem?

mocked the Jews Signup and view all the answers

To whom did Sanballat taunt the Jews, in addition to the army of Samaria?

his brethren Signup and view all the answers

List the five questions that Sanballat said to his brethren and the army of Samaria.

What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they fortify themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Will they revive the stones from the heaps of rubbish—stones that are burned? Signup and view all the answers

Who was beside Sanballat, and started taunting the Jews also?

Tobiah the Ammonite Signup and view all the answers

What did Tobiah the Ammonite think would happen if a fox went up on the wall of Jerusalem?

he will break down their stone wall Signup and view all the answers

To whom did Nehemiah talk to, after he heard what Sanballat and Tobiah were saying?

God Signup and view all the answers

What did Nehemiah tell God was the reaction of the surrounding people to them rebuilding the wall?

the surrounding nations despised/hate the Jews Signup and view all the answers

What did Nehemiah ask God to do to Sanballat and Tobiah?

turn their reproach on their own heads, give them as plunder to a land of captivity Signup and view all the answers

What did Nehemiah ask God not to cover for Sanballat and Tobiah?

their iniquity Signup and view all the answers

What did Nehemiah ask God not to have blotted out for Sanballat and Tobiah?

their sin Signup and view all the answers

Before whom did Sanballat and Tobiah provoke God to anger?

the builders (of the wall of Jerusalem) Signup and view all the answers

What building project did the people of Jerusalem do when they had a mind to work?

built the wall Signup and view all the answers

Why did the wall of Jerusalem get built up to half its height so quickly?

for the people had a mind to work Signup and view all the answers

Who became angry when they heard that the walls of Jerusalem were being restored?

the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites Signup and view all the answers

What did Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites decide to do from their conspiracy meeting?

attack Jerusalem Signup and view all the answers

What was the Jews' first response to hearing the conspiracy of Sanballat and others?

pray to God Signup and view all the answers

What was the Jews' second response after they prayed to God?

set a watch against them day and night Signup and view all the answers

Who said, 'The strength of the laborers is failing'?

Judah Signup and view all the answers

What did Judah say was happening to the laborers because there was so much rubbish?

Their strength was failing Signup and view all the answers

Who wanted to come into the midst of Jew and kill them?

their adversaries Signup and view all the answers

Who told Nehemiah about the plans that adversaries of Jews had made?

the Jews who dwelt near them Signup and view all the answers

How many times did the Jews who lived near their adversaries tell Nehemiah about the surprise attack plans?

In Nehemiah's plan to defend the Jews from their adversaries, what did he put guards behind?

the lower parts of the wall Signup and view all the answers

What three weapons did the men guarding the opening behind the lower parts of the wall have?

swords, spears, and bows Signup and view all the answers

Who gave an inspiring speech to the nobles, leaders, and the rest of the people?

Nehemiah Signup and view all the answers

What should the people remember instead of being afraid of their adversaries?

Remember the Lord Signup and view all the answers

What did Nehemiah ask the people to fight for?

brethren, sons, daughters, wives Signup and view all the answers

What did the enemies of the Jews hear that made them stop their plans to attack?

that the Jews knew about the plan and that God had brought their plot to nothing Signup and view all the answers

As the Jews labored to build the wall, what did half of the men hold from daybreak until the stars appeared?

spears Signup and view all the answers

As the Jews labored to build the wall, who did Nehemiah say should stay at night in Jerusalem?

each man and his servant Signup and view all the answers

Why did Nehemiah ask each man and his servant to stay in Jerusalem at night?

to work as guards Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sanballat's Opposition

Sanballat was furious and very indignant about the Jews rebuilding Jerusalem's wall (Nehemiah 4:1).
He mocked the Jews, questioning their efforts and capabilities.
He sarcastically asked if the feeble Jews could fortify themselves or if they planned to offer sacrifices (Nehemiah 4:2).
Tobiah, Sanballat's companion, humorously suggested that even a fox could break down their wall (Nehemiah 4:3).

Nehemiah's Response to Mockery

Nehemiah turned to God for support, telling Him that the surrounding nations despised the Jews' efforts (Nehemiah 4:4).
Nehemiah requested that their reproach be turned upon their heads and asked for divine justice against Sanballat and Tobiah (Nehemiah 4:4-5).
He emphasized that God should not overlook their iniquity (Nehemiah 4:5).

Progress of Construction

The Jews, inspired by Nehemiah's leadership, worked diligently to rebuild the wall despite opposition (Nehemiah 4:6).
Their motivation and unity led to the wall being built up to half its height quickly (Nehemiah 4:6).

Rising Threats from Adversaries

Sanballat, Tobiah, and other surrounding groups were angered by the restoration of the wall and plotted to attack, seeking to cause confusion (Nehemiah 4:7-8).
The Jews’ response was to pray and set a watch against the impending threats (Nehemiah 4:9).

Challenges Faced by the Workers

Judah expressed concern about the laborers' failing strength due to the overwhelming amount of rubbish (Nehemiah 4:10).
Adversaries intended a surprise attack, but Nehemiah was informed of their plans multiple times (Nehemiah 4:11-12).

Nehemiah's Defensive Strategy

Nehemiah organized a defense by positioning guards at vulnerable points along the wall, grouping men by their families (Nehemiah 4:13).
Workers held tools in one hand and weapons in the other, demonstrating their commitment to both construction and defense (Nehemiah 4:17).

Nehemiah's Inspirational Leadership

Nehemiah inspired the people, urging them to remember God, who is great and awesome, and to fight for their families (Nehemiah 4:14).
His encouragement helped sustain morale amidst opposition.

Collective Rallying and Defense

A trumpet signal was established for quickly gathering everyone if danger arose (Nehemiah 4:20).
Nehemiah assured them that God would fight for them as they continued their work (Nehemiah 4:20).

Practical Arrangements for Labor and Security

While some men worked on the wall, others held protective gear and weapons from daybreak until stars appeared (Nehemiah 4:21).
Nehemiah instructed each man and his servant to stay in Jerusalem at night to act as guards (Nehemiah 4:22).

Continuous Vigilance

Throughout the rebuilding efforts, Nehemiah, his brethren, and guards did not remove their clothing except for washing to remain vigilant (Nehemiah 4:23).
This commitment highlights their dedication to both the work and their community's safety.

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Description

Explore the intense opposition faced by Nehemiah and the Jews while rebuilding Jerusalem's wall. Delve into Sanballat's mockery and Nehemiah's powerful response to seek divine support. Discover how the unity and resolve of the Jews propelled them forward despite adversity.