1 And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews.
2 For there were that said, We, our sons, and our daughters, [are] many: therefore we take up corn [for them], that we may eat, and live.
3 [Some] also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth.
4 There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king’s tribute, [and that upon] our lands and vineyards.
5 Yet now our flesh [is] as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children: and, lo, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and [some] of our daughters are brought unto bondage [already]: neither [is it] in our power [to redeem them]; for other men have our lands and vineyards.
6 And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.
7 Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them.
8 And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing [to answer].
9 Also I said, It [is] not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?
10 I likewise, [and] my brethren, and my servants, might exact of them money and corn: I pray you, let us leave off this usury.
11 Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, also the hundredth [part] of the money, and of the corn, the wine, and the oil, that ye exact of them.
12 Then said they, We will restore [them], and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise.
13 Also I shook my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the LORD. And the people did according to this promise.
14 Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, [that is], twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.
15 But the former governors that [had been] before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.
16 Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants [were] gathered thither unto the work.
17 Moreover [there were] at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that [are] about us.
18 Now [that] which was prepared [for me] daily [was] one ox [and] six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.
19 Think upon me, my God, for good, [according] to all that I have done for this people.
Overview of Nehemiah Chapter 5
Nehemiah Chapter 5 addresses social injustices and economic hardships faced by the Jewish community during the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. The chapter highlights Nehemiah’s leadership and his response to the grievances of the people, showcasing themes of justice, compassion, and communal responsibility.
Social Injustices and Grievances
The chapter opens with a description of the plight of the Jewish people, who are suffering from economic distress. The following points summarize the key grievances:
- Some families are in dire need of food, leading to starvation.
- Wealthy Jews are exploiting their poorer brethren by charging high interest on loans.
- People are forced to mortgage their fields, vineyards, and homes to pay for necessities.
- Some have even had to sell their children into servitude to repay debts.
Nehemiah’s Reaction
Upon hearing the complaints, Nehemiah is filled with anger and concern. His reaction can be broken down into several key actions:
- He confronts the nobles and officials who are exploiting the poor.
- Nehemiah reminds them of their responsibilities to their fellow Jews and the importance of community solidarity.
- He calls for the return of fields, vineyards, and homes that have been unjustly taken from the poor.
Nehemiah’s Call for Justice
Nehemiah takes a strong stand against the practices that have led to the suffering of the people. His call for justice includes:
- Demanding that the wealthy cease charging interest on loans to their fellow Jews.
- Encouraging the return of property and the cancellation of debts.
- Promoting a sense of accountability among the leaders to act righteously.
Response from the Nobles and Officials
The nobles and officials respond to Nehemiah’s call for justice. Their reaction is significant for several reasons:
- They agree to return the properties and cancel the debts as Nehemiah requested.
- This agreement reflects a moment of communal responsibility and a shift towards ethical behavior.
- Nehemiah’s leadership is validated as he successfully advocates for the marginalized.
Nehemiah’s Example of Generosity
In addition to addressing the injustices of others, Nehemiah sets an example through his own actions:
- He refrains from taking the governor’s allowance to avoid burdening the people.
- He provides for the needs of the people from his own resources, demonstrating personal sacrifice.
- Nehemiah’s actions reinforce the idea of servant leadership and the importance of prioritizing the community’s welfare.
Conclusion
Nehemiah Chapter 5 serves as a powerful reminder of the need for justice and compassion within a community. It emphasizes the importance of addressing social inequalities and the role of leadership in fostering an environment of mutual support and accountability. Nehemiah’s actions and responses highlight the significance of ethical conduct in rebuilding not just physical structures, but also the social fabric of the community.
