Nehemiah 5:1-6

1 Then there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren, the Jews.

2 For there were some that said, We, our sons, and our daughters, are many; therefore we have bought grain that we may eat and live.

3 There were also some that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy grain because of the famine.

4 And there were some that said, We have borrowed money for the king’s tribute, and that upon our lands and vineyards.

5 Yet now, given that the flesh of our brethren is as our flesh and their sons as our sons, behold, we subject our sons and our daughters to slavery, and there are some of our daughters in 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.

Nehemiah 5:1-6 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.