Tobiah טוֹבִיָּ֫הוּ
Ammonite official who opposed Nehemiah's rebuilding efforts
Biography
Tobiah, described as an Ammonite official, was one of the main opponents of Nehemiah during the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem (Neh.2.10, 19; 4.3, 7; 6.1, 12, 14, 17, 19; 13.4, 7, 8). Along with Sanballat the Horonite and Geshem the Arab, Tobiah mocked and threatened Nehemiah and the Jews, trying to discourage and intimidate them from completing the work. Tobiah had close ties with some of the Jewish nobles, who kept him informed about Nehemiah's activities (Neh.6.17-19). He even had a room in the temple courts, which Nehemiah later cleared out (Neh.13.4-8). Despite the opposition and threats, Nehemiah persevered in rebuilding the walls, trusting in God's protection and strength. Tobiah's actions demonstrate the political and social challenges faced by Nehemiah in his efforts to restore Jerusalem and reform the Jewish community.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentNehemiah 5 verses
- Nehemiah 2:10
"When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly, because a man had come to seek the welfare of the children of Israel."
Study Nehemiah → - Nehemiah 2:19
"But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite servant, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they ridiculed us, and despised us, and said, “What is this thing that you are doing? Will you rebel against the king?”"
Study Nehemiah → - Nehemiah 4:3
"Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, “What they are building, if a fox climbed up it, he would break down their stone wall.”"
Study Nehemiah → - Nehemiah 4:7
"But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabians, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem went forward, and that the breaches began to be filled, they were very angry;"
Study Nehemiah → - Nehemiah 6:1
"Now when it was reported to Sanballat, Tobiah, and to Geshem the Arabian, and to the rest of our enemies, that I had built the wall, and that there was no breach left in it (though even to that time I had not set up the doors in the gates)"
Study Nehemiah →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | טוֹבִיָּ֫הוּ | H2900I |