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.
8
And I said to them, We, according to our ability, have redeemed our brethren the Jews, who were sold to the nations; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? And they were silent and found no answer.
9
And I said, The thing that ye do is not good. Ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God, so as not to be the reproach of the nations our enemies?
10
I also, my brethren and my servants, we might exact usury of them, money and corn. I pray you, let us leave off this usury.