1
Then there arose a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brothers the Yehudim.
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.
8
I said to them, We after our ability have redeemed our brothers the Yehudim, that were sold to the nations; and would you even sell your brothers, and should they be sold to us? Then held they their shalom, and found never a word.
9
Also I said, The thing that you do is not good: ought you not to walk in the fear of our God, because of the reproach of the nations our enemies?
10
I likewise, my brothers and my servants, do lend them money and grain. Please let us leave off this usury.