נחמיה, פרק ב׳, פסוק י׳

The arrival of a dedicated leader working for the benefit of the Israelites immediately sparks intense opposition from the rulers of neighboring nations. When Sanballat and Tobiah learn of Nehemiah's requests to the king for permission to rebuild Jerusalem and its walls, they are filled with deep resentment [רש"י, מצודת דוד].

These two figures held distinct positions of regional power. Sanballat the Horonite likely served as the ruling governor in Samaria, while Tobiah the Ammonite held a somewhat junior governing role in Ammon. The narrative specifically labels Tobiah as a servant, a title deliberately used to express contempt toward him [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The news of someone arriving with the sole purpose of seeking the welfare and prosperity of the Israelites is met with extreme displeasure by these local leaders. Their intense anger is rooted in a deep-seated hostility, as they were the established adversaries and bitter enemies of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin [רש"י, מצודת דוד].