1
Then there was a great outcry from the people and their wives against their countrymen the Jews.
2
For there were some who said, We, our sons and our daughters, are a great number: let us get grain, so that we may have food for our needs.
3
And there were some who said, We are giving our fields and our vine-gardens and our houses for debt: let us get grain because we are in need.
4
And there were others who said, We have given up our fields and our vine-gardens to get money for the king's taxes.
5
But our flesh is the same as the flesh of our countrymen, and our children as their children: and now we are giving our sons and daughters into the hands of others, to be their servants, and some of our daughters are servants even now: and we have no power to put a stop to it; for other men have our fields and our vine-gardens.
6
And on hearing their outcry and what they said I was very angry.
7
And after turning it over in my mind, I made a protest to the chiefs and the rulers, and said to them, Every one of you is taking interest from his countryman. And I got together a great meeting of protest.