What does Tobiah's mockery reveal about opposition to God's plans? Setting the Scene • Nehemiah has rallied the remnant in Jerusalem to rebuild the shattered city wall. • Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem—the regional power brokers—feel threatened by this God-given project. • Nehemiah 4:3: “Now Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side, said, ‘Even if a fox were to climb on whatever they are building, it would break down their wall of stones!’” Tobiah’s Mockery Unpacked • Ridicule, not reason: Tobiah doesn’t argue facts; he belittles the builders. • Exaggeration: A lightweight fox knocking over a stone wall? His sarcasm is designed to sow doubt. • Public humiliation: Speaking “at his side” (Sanballat’s) adds peer pressure, hoping fear will spread. What Opposition Reveals 1. Opposition often targets identity before work – Tobiah’s taunt suggests the builders are incapable, questioning who they are rather than what they do. – See Numbers 13:31-33—the spies call themselves “grasshoppers,” eroding confidence. 2. Mockery exposes spiritual hostility toward God’s agenda – Psalm 2:1-3 “Why do the nations rage…?” shows that derision is frequently a mask for rebellion against the Lord. – Acts 4:25-26 applies the same psalm to early-church persecution. 3. Scoffers underestimate God’s power – Tobiah mocks stones, yet Isaiah 28:16 calls Messiah the “tested stone, a precious cornerstone.” – God chooses the “weak” to shame the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27). 4. Enemy tactics aim to paralyze progress – Fear and fatigue grow when ridicule echoes in the mind (Nehemiah 4:10). – Satan’s schemes include sowing discouragement (Ephesians 6:11). Patterns of Mockery in Scripture • Goliath scoffs at David’s sling (1 Samuel 17:43). • The crowd sneers at the crucified Christ (Matthew 27:39-40). • These taunts fail every time because God’s purpose stands (Proverbs 19:21). The Builders’ Response • Prayer first (Nehemiah 4:4-5): Nehemiah hands the insult to God. • Persistence second (4:6): “So we rebuilt the wall.” They keep the trowel moving. • Protection third (4:16-18): Sword in one hand, tool in the other. Lessons for Today • Expect ridicule when obeying God; it confirms you’re on the right battlefield. • Measure words against God’s promise, not against visible strength (Romans 8:31). • Stay prayerful and practical: talk to God, then tighten the next bolt, write the next line, teach the next class—whatever your “wall” is. • Remember: “If it is from God, you will not be able to stop them” (Acts 5:39). Tobiah’s taunt fell flat; the wall rose. So will every scheme that belittles the work God assigns to His people. |
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