Nehemiah 5
Read Nehemiah 5 (WEB)+
1Then there arose a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brothers the Jews. 2For there were that said, “We, our sons and our daughters, are many. Let us get grain, that we may eat and live.” 3There were also some that said, “We are mortgaging our fields, and our vineyards, and our houses. Let us get grain, because of the famine.” 4There were also some who said, “We have borrowed money for the king’s tribute using our fields and our vineyards as collateral. 5Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brothers, our children as their children. Behold, we bring our sons and our daughters into bondage to be servants, and some of our daughters have been brought into bondage. It is also not in our power to help it, because other men have our fields and our vineyards.” 6I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words. 7Then I consulted with myself, and contended with the nobles and the rulers, and said to them, “You exact usury, everyone of his brother.” I held a great assembly against them. 8I said to them, “We, after our ability, have redeemed our brothers the Jews that were sold to the nations; and would you even sell your brothers, and should they be sold to us?” Then they held their peace, and found not a word to say. 9Also I said, “The thing that you do is not good. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God, because of the reproach of the nations our enemies? 10I likewise, my brothers and my servants, lend them money and grain. Please let us stop this usury. 11Please restore to them, even today, their fields, their vineyards, their olive groves, and their houses, also the hundredth part of the money, and of the grain, the new wine, and the oil, that you are charging them.” 12Then they said, “We will restore them, and will require nothing of them. We will do so, even as you say.” Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they would do according to this promise. 13Also I shook out my lap, and said, “So may God shake out every man from his house, and from his labor, that doesn’t perform this promise; even be he shaken out, and emptied like this.” All the assembly said, “Amen,” and praised Yahweh. The people did according to this promise. 14Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even to the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brothers have not eaten the bread of the governor. 15But the former governors who were before me were supported by the people, and took bread and wine from them, plus forty shekels of silver; yes, even their servants ruled over the people; but I didn’t do so, because of the fear of God. 16Yes, I also continued in the work of this wall. We didn’t buy any land. All my servants were gathered there to the work. 17Moreover there were at my table, of the Jews and the rulers, one hundred fifty men, besides those who came to us from among the nations that were around us. 18Now that which was prepared for one day was one ox and six choice sheep. Also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days a store of all sorts of wine. Yet for all this, I didn’t demand the governor’s pay, because the bondage was heavy on this people. 19Remember to me, my God, for good, all that I have done for this people.
World English Bible (public domain)
“So I said, 'The thing that you are doing is not good. Ought you not to walk in the fear of our God to prevent the taunts of the nations, our enemies?'”
Nehemiah 5:9
Summary
In Nehemiah chapter 5, we witness a significant internal crisis among the people of Judah as Nehemiah addresses the injustices and hardships faced by the poorer members of the community. The chapter opens with complaints from the people, who cry out due to the heavy burdens imposed by their fellow Jews, including high-interest loans and the selling of their children into servitude to make ends meet. This situation reflects a critical societal imbalance that threatens the unity and progress of the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem. Nehemiah, upon hearing their grievances, responds with righteous anger and immediately takes action to confront the nobles and officials who are exploiting the vulnerable. He emphasizes the importance of justice and compassion, calling for the return of fields, vineyards, and loans without interest, urging his fellow leaders to act in accordance with God’s law towards their brethren. The chapter also illustrates Nehemiah's leadership qualities, showcasing his willingness to sacrifice his own privileges as governor to alleviate the suffering of his people. He sets a personal example by refraining from demanding the customary food allowance for himself as governor during this time of distress. Furthermore, throughout this narrative, we see the theme of communal integrity and the call for ethical behavior among God's people. Nehemiah's actions echo the broader biblical principle of justice, pointing to God's concern for the marginalized and oppressed. Overall, Nehemiah chapter 5 serves as a powerful reminder of the need for social justice within communities and the crucial role of leaders in advocating for the welfare of all members. The theological significance lies in understanding how personal sacrifice and a commitment to righteousness can foster a sense of unity and healing within God’s people, ultimately reflecting God’s love and concern for His creation.
Key Themes
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