1
And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews.
2
And there were that said, We, our sons and our daughters, are many, and we must procure corn that we may eat and live.
3
And there were that said, We have had to pledge our fields, and our vineyards, and our houses, that we might procure corn in the dearth.
4
And there were that said, We have borrowed money for the king's tribute upon our fields and vineyards;
5
yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children; and behold, we must bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and some of our daughters are brought into bondage [already]; neither is it in the power of our hand [to redeem them], for other men have our fields and our vineyards.
6
And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.
7
And I consulted with myself; and I remonstrated with the nobles and the rulers, and said to them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother! And I set a great assembly against them.