The Bible Says
Nehemiah 4:1-3 Meaning

Nehemiah 4:1-3 opens with: Now it came about that when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became furious and very angry and mocked the Jews (v. 1) The narrative highlights Sanballat’s reaction to Nehemiah’s ongoing work of restoring Jerusalem’s wall. Sanballat, likely a regional official from Samaria-a territory situated north of Jerusalem-feels threatened by the strengthening of the Jewish community. Scholars place Nehemiah’s work around 445 to 432 BC, in the broader context of the Persian Empire’s rule over Judah. Sanballat’s opposition stands as a key obstacle, reflecting how some neighboring leaders feared the reestablishment of Jerusalem’s defenses under Jewish leadership.

By describing Sanballat as furious and very angry, the text shows his deep hostility toward Nehemiah's efforts. His fury implies not only personal resentment but also political and territorial concerns. The wall’s rebuilding would fortify Jerusalem, enabling its people to resist outside interference. Sanballat’s mocking tone indicates an attempt to discourage the workers by humiliating their faith and labor, a tactic often used to demoralize opposition and stop progress.

This reminds readers that when God’s people commit themselves to a divine calling, they frequently encounter strong resistance. In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of enduring hostility as a mark of devotion and discipleship (John 15:18-19). Sanballat’s fury parallels many instances where the righteous face ridicule yet remain steadfast, trusting that the work to which they are called has God’s approval.

Continuing, Nehemiah reports that He spoke in the presence of his brothers and the wealthy men of Samaria and said, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Are they going to restore it for themselves? Can they offer sacrifices? Can they finish in a day? Can they revive the stones from the dusty rubble even the burned ones?” (v. 2). By speaking to an audience of influential leaders from Samaria, Sanballat amplifies the ridicule, portraying the Jewish workers as weak and incompetent. This rhetorical approach aims to sway public opinion against Nehemiah’s project and diminish the people’s motivation.

The reference to feeble Jews underscores the condescension of those who perceived the returned exiles as powerless outsiders. Their recent history-deportation, exile, and the slow process of rebuilding the homeland-made them susceptible to feelings of inadequacy. However, the question about offering sacrifices hints at a deeper issue: the opposition doubted the spiritual conviction behind the wall-building, dismissing their religious devotion and the God they served.

Through these questioning remarks, Sanballat prods at the workers' limitations, hoping they would give up. Yet believers might recall that strength in God often transcends human assessments. Scripture consistently illustrates how God uses humble circumstances for His greater purpose (1 Corinthians 1:26-29), transforming perceived weaknesses into testimonies of divine power.

Finally, Now Tobiah the Ammonite was near him and he said, “Even what they are building-if a fox should jump on it, he would break their stone wall down!” (v. 3) adds another layer of mockery. Tobiah, an Ammonite official living east of the Jordan River, aligns with Sanballat to erode confidence in the construction’s integrity. He implies that the wall is so poorly built that even a small animal could topple it, mocking not just the people but also the overall feasibility of the project.

Tobiah’s scornful comment reveals his alignment with the broader network of opponents of Jewish restoration. The Jewish return from the Babylonian exile was a tender and critical phase for Jerusalem. A stable city would increase its citizens’ security and spiritual unity, threatening the influence held by surrounding rulers like Tobiah. Mockery can be a powerful tool, sowing doubt and frustration, but the people persevered by trusting in the divine mandate that drove their efforts. Centuries earlier, Rabshakeh the mouthpiece of the the king of Assyria also employed the propaganda tool of doubt and mockery (see our commentary on 1 Kings 18:26-37).

Nehemiah 4:1-3 signals to readers that, in life and service for God, adversity often arises through scorn and belittling. Yet, enduring such trial can deepen faith and sharpen determination. Wherever believers commit to strengthening what has been broken, expect that some will question and ridicule, but divine guidance can empower them to press on (Hebrews 12:1-2).