51 And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews.
51 Now the men and their wives raised a great outcry against their fellow Jews.
51 Now there arose a great outcry of the people and of their wives against their Jewish brothers.
51 A great protest was mounted by the people, including the wives, against their fellow Jews.
51 And there was a great outcry of the people and their wives against their Jewish brethren.
51 About this time some of the men and their wives raised a cry of protest against their fellow Jews.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:1
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.