Discouragement?

When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel. Nehemiah 2:10

Right in the middle of Nehemiah’s trip we are introduced to new individuals. According to Adam Clark, Sanballat the Horonite was “Probably a native of Horonaim, a Moabite by birth, and at this time governor of the Samaritans under the king of Persia. Tobiah the servant was an Ammonite; and here, under the Persian king, joint governor with Sanballat.”

The revival of Jerusalem as a great and strong city, which was Nehemiah’s aim, was likely to interfere with the prosperity, or at any rate the eminence, of Samaria. – Albert Barnes

Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite were not happy when they heard that someone was coming to help the children of Israel.

Nehemiah is on his journey, but people know he is coming. Even in Old Testament times word traveled quickly, especially when you have letters announcing the travel plans. Some were not happy with his coming and probably were plotting against Nehemiah.

As in our day, there is always someone who tries to discourage us, when we move forward to do work for the Lord. It grieves the world when God sends someone to help His children.

Nehemiah continued his travels and kept his eyes on the job before him. We need to keep our eyes on the job before us, remembering God knows what we are going through.

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. Proverbs 15:3

Have a blessed day,
Donna