51 Then there was a great outcry from the people and their wives against their countrymen the Jews. 2 For there were some who said, We, our sons and our daughters, are a great number: let us get grain, so that we may have food for our needs. 3 And there were some who said, We are giving our fields and our vine-gardens and our houses for debt: let us get grain because we are in need. 4 And there were others who said, We have given up our fields and our vine-gardens to get money for the king's taxes. 5 But our flesh is the same as the flesh of our countrymen, and our children as their children: and now we are giving our sons and daughters into the hands of others, to be their servants, and some of our daughters are servants even now: and we have no power to put a stop to it; for other men have our fields and our vine-gardens.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:1-5
Commentary on Nehemiah 5:1-5
(Read Nehemiah 5:1-5)
Men prey upon their fellow-creatures: by despising the poor they reproach their Maker. Such conduct is a disgrace to any, but who can sufficiently abhor it when adopted by professing Christians? With compassion for the oppressed, we should lament the hardships which many in the world are groaning under; putting our souls into their souls' stead, and remembering in our prayers and succours those who are burdened. But let those who show no mercy, expect judgment without mercy.