In brief
Tobiah, called the Ammonite official, was one of Nehemiah's main opponents in the fifth century before Christ, during the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. With Sanballat the Horonite, he mocked the builders, tried to frighten them and paid a false prophet. Allied by marriage to families of Judah, he even obtained a room in the courts of the temple, until Nehemiah drove him out. His story illustrates the persistent opposition to the work of God.
What does the name Tobiah the Ammonite mean?
The name Tobiah is generally linked to the Hebrew meaning the Lord is good. This name, borne by an opponent of God's work, contrasts with his behavior; the Bible gives no explanation of the name.
The story of Tobiah the Ammonite
Displeasure at Nehemiah's arrival
Nehemiah 2:10When Nehemiah arrives with the letters of King Artaxerxes, Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official are greatly displeased. The text gives the reason: someone had come to seek the welfare of the people of Israel. From the start, Tobiah stands against the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Mockery and the charge of rebellion
Nehemiah 2:19-20With Sanballat and Geshem the Arab, Tobiah mocks the Jews and accuses them of rebelling against the king. Nehemiah answers with confidence that the God of heaven will give them success. He adds that these opponents have no share, no claim and no memorial in Jerusalem.
The fox and the wall
Nehemiah 4:1-9Tobiah sneers that if even a fox climbed up on their stone wall, it would break it down. Nehemiah brings this contempt to God in prayer. As the gaps begin to close, Tobiah joins others in plotting to attack Jerusalem, but the people pray and post a guard day and night.
Intrigues and intimidation
Nehemiah 6:12-19Tobiah and Sanballat hire a prophet to frighten Nehemiah and push him into sin. Tobiah also keeps up correspondence with nobles of Judah who are bound to him by oath, since he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah, and he sends letters to intimidate Nehemiah. In spite of everything, the wall is finished.
A room in the house of God
Nehemiah 13:4-9During Nehemiah's absence, the priest Eliashib, a relative of Tobiah, prepares a large room for him in the courts of the temple, in the place where the offerings and tithes were stored. On his return, Nehemiah throws Tobiah's belongings out, has the rooms purified and puts back the utensils of the house of God.
What Tobiah the Ammonite teaches us
- Every work undertaken for God meets opposition, and the believer's response begins with prayer.
- Mockery tries to discourage, but trust in the God of heaven makes it possible to keep building.
- Compromises and alliances with those who oppose God end up seeping into his very house.
- What is dedicated to God must be guarded with vigilance, and what has defiled it must be removed without hesitation.
Key verses
Faced with the mockery of Tobiah and his allies, Nehemiah declares that success comes from the God of heaven. This verse reminds us that the work of God does not depend on the approval of its opponents.
Facing the threat of an attack, the people pray to God and post a guard day and night. Faith and vigilance go together: believers rely on God while taking up their own responsibilities.
Nehemiah throws out Tobiah's belongings and has the rooms of the temple purified. This strong gesture shows that the house of God must be set apart for his service and worship.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Tobiah oppose Nehemiah?
Nehemiah 2:10 says that Tobiah was greatly displeased that someone had come to seek the welfare of the people of Israel. The Bible does not spell out all his motives, but it shows his mockery, his intrigues and his ties with influential families of Judah, which made him a stubborn opponent.
What does the name Tobiah mean?
The name Tobiah is generally linked to the Hebrew meaning the Lord is good. The Bible does not comment on the name, but the contrast is striking between this meaning and the attitude of a man who steadily opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Where can I find the story of Tobiah the Ammonite in the Bible?
Tobiah appears in the book of Nehemiah: in chapter 2 (verses 10 and 19), in chapter 4 (verses 3 and 7), in chapter 6 (verses 1 to 19) and in chapter 13 (verses 4 to 9), where Nehemiah drives him out of the room he occupied in the temple.