Definition: When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard [of it], it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 2:10. It's a really important and somewhat surprising passage! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: It was a very bad surprise for the people of Israel when they heard about a man named Sanballat, an Ammonite (a group from the Levant – think modern-day Lebanon), who was trying to help the Israelites. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “When Sanballat the Horonite…” : This refers to Sanballat, the high court official in Jerusalem. He was a prominent figure and had a lot of influence. “…and Tobiah the servant…” : This describes two people who were involved – Tobiah, a servant working for the Israelites, and Sanballat. “The Ammonite” : This is a crucial detail! It tells us this was happening in Jerusalem, which was part of the region that was historically controlled by the Ammonites. “…heard [of it]” : This means they learned about the man’s plan to help the Israelites. “It grieved them exceedingly…” : This is a big word – "exceedingly" means very, extremely, or intensely. It shows that the people were deeply upset and worried. So, what's the big point? The verse highlights a situation of disrespect and resentment . The Ammonites, who had historically been rivals with the Israelites, were trying to help them! This was a significant problem for them because it threatened their position of power and influence in Jerusalem. Why is this important? This story is a reminder that even seemingly small or insignificant people can have big impacts on relationships and positions. It shows that sometimes, even those who don't intend to cause harm can be disruptive if they’re acting in a way that undermines peace and stability. In short: It tells us that the Ammonites were trying to help the Israelites, which caused great distress for the people of Jerusalem. --- Do you want me to: Explain the context of this story further? Connect it to a broader theme in the Bible (like justice or reconciliation)?