Topical Bible: Letters: Open Letter from Sanballat to Nehemiah

◄ Letters: Open Letter from Sanballat to Nehemiah ►

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Context and Background:

The open letter from Sanballat to Nehemiah is a significant event recorded in the Book of Nehemiah, specifically in Nehemiah 6:5-9. This letter is part of the broader narrative of Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. Nehemiah, serving as the governor of Judah under the Persian king Artaxerxes, faced opposition from surrounding adversaries, including Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arab. These adversaries were threatened by the restoration of Jerusalem and sought to undermine Nehemiah's leadership and the rebuilding project.

The Open Letter:

The open letter from Sanballat is a strategic attempt to intimidate and discredit Nehemiah. Unlike a sealed letter, an open letter was intended to be read publicly, thereby spreading its contents widely and potentially inciting fear and doubt among the people of Judah. Sanballat's letter accused Nehemiah of plotting rebellion against the Persian king and of intending to make himself king in Judah. The letter also claimed that Nehemiah had appointed prophets to proclaim his kingship in Jerusalem.

Biblical Text:

In Nehemiah 6:5-7 , the text states:

"Then Sanballat sent me this same message a fifth time by his young servant, who had in his hand an unsealed letter that read: 'It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and that is why you are rebuilding the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king, and you have even appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim on your behalf: ‘There is a king in Judah!’ Soon these rumors will reach the ears of the king. So come, let us confer together.'"

Nehemiah's Response:

Nehemiah's response to the open letter is marked by discernment and steadfastness. Recognizing the falsehood and malicious intent behind the accusations, Nehemiah denies the claims and attributes them to the imagination of his adversaries. In Nehemiah 6:8-9 , he replies:

"I sent him this reply: 'There is nothing to these rumors you are spreading; you are inventing them in your own mind.' For they were all trying to frighten us, thinking, 'Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.' But I prayed, 'Now strengthen my hands.'"

Theological and Practical Implications:

The open letter from Sanballat serves as a powerful example of the challenges faced by God's people when undertaking His work. It highlights the tactics of intimidation and deceit used by adversaries to thwart divine purposes. Nehemiah's response underscores the importance of prayer, discernment, and reliance on God in the face of opposition. His unwavering commitment to the task at hand and his trust in God's strength serve as a model for believers facing similar challenges.

The incident also illustrates the broader theme of spiritual warfare, where the forces of darkness seek to disrupt the plans of God through fear and misinformation. Nehemiah's leadership and faithfulness remind believers of the necessity to stand firm in truth and to seek God's guidance and empowerment in overcoming obstacles.

Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 6:5
Then sent Sanballat his servant to me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Heathen Plots
... strengthened by the fact that the letter was sent ... Notwithstanding the plots of enemies,
open and secret, the ... "The nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 55 heathen plots.htm

The Prophet Nehemiah
... not; I don't know whether he had a printed form of letters, but he ... AN OPEN LETTER,. ...
So Tobiah and Sanballat bought up one of the prophets, and hired him to try ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/iv the prophet nehemiah.htm

Nehemiah's Answer to a Call for Help
... Lord, I pray thee, let thine ear be open to the ... through until I come to Judah, and
a letter to Asaph ... governors of the province and gave them the king's letters. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/nehemiahs answer to a call.htm

Hindrances to Revivals.
... I saw the letter and said to myself, That is ... They laid themselves open to the rebuke
administered to Nicodemus ... When the Old School write their letters in the ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xv hindrances to revivals.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... The inhabitants of the Delta, oppressed by the tax-gatherers of Achaemenes,*** welcomed
him with open arms, and he took possession of the country between the ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm