1
Then there arose a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brothers the Jews.
2
For there were that said, We, our sons and our daughters, are many: let us get grain, that we may eat and live.
3
Some also there were that said, We are mortgaging our fields, and our vineyards, and our houses: let us get grain, because of the dearth.
4
There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king's tribute [on] our fields and our vineyards.
5
Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brothers, our children as their children: and, behold, we 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 our power to help it; for other men have our fields and our vineyards.
6
I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.
7
Then 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.