Topical Bible: Craftiness: Sanballat, in Trying to Deceive Nehemiah Into a Conference

◄ Craftiness: Sanballat, in Trying to Deceive Nehemiah Into a Conference ►

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In the biblical narrative, Sanballat emerges as a prominent adversary of Nehemiah during the reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls. His actions are emblematic of craftiness and deceit, as he attempts to thwart the efforts of the Jewish people through manipulation and subterfuge. The account of Sanballat's craftiness is primarily found in the Book of Nehemiah, particularly in chapter 6.

Sanballat, along with Tobiah and Geshem the Arab, initially opposes the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls through mockery and intimidation (Nehemiah 4:1-3). However, as the construction progresses and the walls near completion, Sanballat resorts to more cunning tactics. Recognizing that direct opposition has failed, he seeks to lure Nehemiah away from his work under the guise of diplomacy.

Nehemiah 6:1-2 states: "When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall and that no gap was left in it (though to that time I had not yet installed the doors in the gates), Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: 'Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.' But they were planning to harm me."

Sanballat's invitation to meet in the plain of Ono is a strategic ploy designed to remove Nehemiah from the safety of Jerusalem and potentially harm him. The plain of Ono, located on the border of Judah and Samaria, would have been a neutral ground, yet it also posed a risk of ambush. Sanballat's craftiness lies in his attempt to disguise his malicious intent with the appearance of seeking peaceful dialogue.

Nehemiah, discerning the deceitful nature of the invitation, refuses to be distracted from his God-given mission. He responds with wisdom and steadfastness, saying, "I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it to go down to you?" (Nehemiah 6:3). Nehemiah's reply underscores his commitment to the task at hand and his awareness of the enemy's schemes.

Sanballat's persistence in his craftiness is evident as he sends the same message four times, each time receiving the same resolute response from Nehemiah (Nehemiah 6:4). This relentless pursuit highlights the lengths to which Sanballat is willing to go to disrupt the work of God.

In a further attempt to undermine Nehemiah, Sanballat sends an open letter accusing him of rebellion against the Persian king, Artaxerxes. This letter, filled with false accusations, is intended to instill fear and create political pressure (Nehemiah 6:5-7). Yet, Nehemiah remains undeterred, recognizing the baseless nature of the claims and continuing to trust in God's protection and provision.

Sanballat's craftiness serves as a cautionary example of how opposition to God's work can manifest through deceit and manipulation. His actions reflect a broader theme in Scripture, where the enemies of God's people often employ cunning strategies to hinder divine purposes. Nehemiah's response, characterized by discernment, prayer, and unwavering focus, provides a model for believers facing similar challenges.

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Nehemiah 6:1
Now it came to pass when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had built the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors on the gates;)
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