Bible Strands
Nehemiah 2:19
But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about this, they mocked us and ridiculed us, saying, “What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Nehemiah reports God’s favor and the king’s authorization to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls to the Jewish leaders, who immediately begin the work. Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab hear of this and confront the builders.
The words — הָ/עֶבֶד (ha./'E.ved) = the/ servant identifies Tobiah’s official capacity, while וַ/יִּשְמַע (va/i.yish.Ma') = and/ he heard marks the precise moment the opponents learn of the project and react.
The thread — The same three opponents appear in Nehemiah 6:1 when they learn the wall is fully completed, and Nehemiah 6:6 records Geshem repeating the earlier accusation. The theme of public mockery also echoes Psalm 44:13.
Why it lands — The text records the opponents’ direct question about rebellion before Nehemiah’s reply in Nehemiah 2:20, establishing the political charge against the rebuilding. A reader must note the sequence: the work begins, the enemies hear, they mock, and Nehemiah answers.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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?
Cross-references
- Nehemiah 6:6 that read: “It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and this is why you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king,
- Nehemiah 6:1 When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left—though to that time I had not yet installed the doors in the gates—
- Psalms 44:13 You have made us a reproach to our neighbors, a mockery and derision to those around us.
- Psalms 80:6 You make us contend with our neighbors; our enemies mock us.
- Mark 5:40 And they laughed at Him. After He had put them all outside, He took the child’s father and mother and His own companions, and went in to see the child.
- Ezra 4:15 that a search should be made of the record books of your fathers. In these books you will discover and verify that the city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, inciting sedition from ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed.
- Nehemiah 2:10 But 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.
- Nehemiah 4:1 Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he was furious and filled with indignation. He ridiculed the Jews
- Nehemiah 6:9 For they were all trying to frighten us, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will never be finished.” But now, my God, strengthen my hands.
- Job 30:1 “But now they mock me, men younger than I am, whose fathers I would have refused to put with my sheep dogs.