WHEN ENEMIES ARE GRIEVED

"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)

SOME PEOPLE HAVE LIVED in especially difficult times. Nehemiah was such an one. He did not work in the land of Israel, but in a heathen palace (Neh 1:1). He was not privileged to serve a Israelite king, but served wine to a Persian king (Neh 2:1). What few people remained in Israel were afflicted and reproached. The walls of the holy city Jerusalem had been broken down, and its gates burned with fire (Neh 1:3). It was certainly a depressing time to live – at least from an earthly point of view.

NEHEMIAH WAS DETERMINED TO GO TO THE LORD about the circumstances of his time. He prayed fervently that the Lord would "prosper" him, and grant him favor in the eyes of king Artaxerxes, whom he served (Neh 1:7-11). On one occasion, when the king saw Nehemiah was sad, and knowing that was most unusual, the king asked the prophet the reason for his sadness. Nehemiah told him news of Jerusalem lying waste and its gates being burned with fire had caused this sadness. When asked what could be done about it, Nehemiah asked him to send him back to Judah, to rebuild the city of his father's sepulchers (2:1-5). The king then asked how long the journey was, and when he would return. Nehemiah provided the information, and a time was set for the expedition. He then asked the king for special letters to governors who could assist him in his journey, and to the keeper of the king's forest, that he might supply timbers for the restoration work (2:6-8). His petition was granted.

NEWS OF THE RECONSTRUCTION expedition got back to the land, and brought grief to certain enemies. Two are especially mentioned: Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the Ammonite. Sanballat was probably from Horonaim, and a Moabite by birth. Tobiah was a servant of the king of Persia. They had obviously exploited the feeble Jews who remained in the land. After receiving word the coming of Nehemiah, "they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites" (NIV). They seemed to sense that strong Israelites would bring jeopardy to them. As long as the people of God were weak and discouraged, these two heathen could work more openly and freely.

NOTICE HOW THE WELFARE OF THE ISRAELITES" was to be accomplished. It was by building the holy city, rebuilding the walls, and reestablishing the gates of the city.IT IS STILL DISPLEASING to the enemies of God when someone seeks the welfare of God's people – when someone comes to strengthen the church, which is the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Tim 3:15) – rebuild the walls and bulwarks of salvation (Isa 26:1), and reestablish the gates through which blessings come. Satan knows his kingdom is decidedly diminished when the people of God are strong, and their welfare is eagerly sought.

THERE ARE STILL SANBALLAT AND TOBIAH'S who are grieved with holy messengers and godly builders. They would rather leave the city of God in shambles, the walls of salvation in ruin, and the gates of blessing in disarray. They care nothing for a devastated city, weak and discouraged saints, and the dominance of hopelessness. But God DOES care. He will raise up men and women like Nehemiah who lament over the condition of an impoverished church, and seek grace to seek its welfare. God be praised when they come to us!

– Given O. Blakely