Bible Figure
Tobiah
Ammonite official in the Hebrew Bible
Tobiah the Ammonite was a persistent opponent of Nehemiah who mocked Jerusalem's rebuilding, joined plots against it, and maintained troubling alliances within Judah.
Biography
Tobiah appears with Sanballat opposing Nehemiah from the beginning. He mocked the rebuilt wall, participated in plans to intimidate the builders, and joined attempts to lure or frighten Nehemiah. Despite his opposition, Tobiah had marriage and correspondence ties with influential Judeans. Later Nehemiah discovered that the priest Eliashib had provided Tobiah a room in the Temple courts; Nehemiah expelled Tobiah's belongings and restored the rooms to sacred use.
Biblical Significance
Tobiah's story shows that opposition to Jerusalem's restoration came not only through external threats but also through internal political alliances and compromised religious leadership.