Building up Jerusalem,
Nehemiah rallied faithful men
To build God’s house and teach his word,
Worship him, their living God.
When Sanballat heard the news
He poked fun and jeered at all the Jews.
Nehemiah, he was wise,
So Sanballat’s words did not cut ice.
If you’re wise, listen to me now!
Sanballat, master of smooth talk;
Sanballat can persuade you beef is pork.
Sanballat! Beware his evil wiles!
His gleaming teeth are daggers;
You think he smiles?!
“Come and meet with me to talk,”
Said this evil man whose tongue was forked.
Nehemiah sent reply:
“Leave God’s work? Just tell me why!”
Four times more the message came:
“Come and talk with me on Ono’s plain.”
Nehemiah said, “Oh No!”
And this made Sanballat’s gasket blow.
He sent slanderous threats.
Sanballat finally lost his cool;
Sanballat, calculating, heartless, cruel
Sanballat. Beware his evil wiles!
His gleaming teeth are daggers.
You think he smiles?!
N and S are dead and gone,
But their spirits and this scene live on;
And while the world is at your feet
History can stage repeats.
Work hard for the Lord don’t baulk
Or justify not working with smooth talk.
Ghastly horrors! I can see
That it’s really possible for me….
Horrors! I could be
Sanballat! Shirking for the Lord,
Sanballat, hindering the work of God.
Sanballat! Beware! His words seem wise.
But he’s a scheming demon,
And he’s not nice!
