Answering Sanballat

When the servant of a pagan king was called to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, he faced much accusation and attack from jealous enemies of Yahweh. The stereotypical adversaries Sanballat and Tobiah constantly worked to discourage Nehemiah and the Israeli builders who helped him in the wall project.

Their false accusations, physical attacks, and traps were wasted on Nehemiah. He knew what his calling was, and could stand in his faith in Yahweh’s strength and protection. He was listening to a voice that confirmed his work instead of one that challenged it.

His answer to their stupid attempts to distract and deceive him was, “I am busy working.” No debate, no waste of time, no submission to the influence of a voice that disagreed with the assignments received from the King of Heaven. Therefore, the wall was built.