Nehemiah 5:1-7

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.

Nehemiah 5:1-7 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EZRA 5

In this chapter is a complaint of the poor against the rich for oppression of them, Ne 5:1-5 for which Nehemiah being angry, reproved them, and made them promise, and swear to it, to make restitution, Ne 5:6-13 and set them an example himself, taking nothing of them during his twelve years' government, supporting himself and his at his own expenses, Ne 5:14-19.

Footnotes

• [a]. I consulted...: Heb. my heart consulted in me