Sanballat the Horonite— This person was probably a petty prince of Moab; for Horonaim was an eminent city in that country, Isaiah 15:5. This Sanballat was the person who afterwards instigated Alexander the Great to build the temple of Gerizim, in order to occasion a division among the Jews. See Grotius.
REFLECTIONS.—The king having permitted Nehemiah to go, and given him an order upon the governors, grants him withal an honourable escort to protect him. Note; Each child of God, whom the king of heaven delights to honour, is attended with mightier angelic guards. We have here,
1. The vexation of Tobiah and Sanballat, the enemies of the Jews, on hearing of Nehemiah's journey, and the design of it. Note; Every favour shown to the servants of God awakens the envy and provokes the rage of a wicked world.
2. The survey that Nehemiah took of the state of the walls. He rested on his arrival three days; and by night, with a few select persons for secresy, that the design he was forming might not be known or counteracted, went round the walls to observe the breaches, and what repairs would be needful. Note; (1.) Secresy and silence are very necessary when our enemies are so ready to take the alarm. The wisdom of the serpent is useful when joined to the innocence of the dove. (2.) A well-settled plan of procedure is the way to ensure success in every enterprize.
3. The discovery that he made to the rulers, of his commission. He assembled them, intimated the ruinous state of the city, and the reproach which their defenceless state brought on them from their wicked neighbours; then informed them of God's good providence in advancing him at court, and giving him favour with the king; and produced his commission for repairing their desolations; encouraging them thereupon to set about the work. Animated by such an exhortation, they eagerly seize the opportunity, and strengthen each other immediately to arise and build the wall. Note; (1.) A good minister, or magistrate, who is active and zealous, will find many ready to second his labours, who of themselves had not courage to lead. (2.) They who would work heartily for God must begin out of hand. Delays are dangerous.
4. The opposition which the work met with. Their old and sworn foes derided their attempts, and maligned their intentions; but Nehemiah, undismayed, and confident in God's blessing, despised their taunts, and persisted in the work; nor would he suffer these Samaritans to have any portion or lot among them. Note; (1.) Every arrow of envenomed malice, derision, slander, and threatening, will be shot against God's saints; but they are clad in armour that is weapon-proof. (2.) Instead of being discouraged, we should be quickened by opposition: if God prosper us, we need not fear.