Tobiah
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Tobiah in the Bible?
Tobiah was an Ammonite official who maintained political influence in Judah during the Persian period and opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah's leadership.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Tobiah's role clarifies the intense political and social resistance faced by the Jewish community during the restoration of Jerusalem, illustrating the external pressures and internal divisions that shaped the post-exilic period.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Tobiah reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Tobiah in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Tobiah clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Tobiah." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/tobiah/