51 A great protest was mounted by the people, including the wives, against their fellow Jews. 2 Some said, "We have big families, and we need food just to survive." 3 Others said, "We're having to mortgage our fields and vineyards and homes to get enough grain to keep from starving." 4 And others said, "We're having to borrow money to pay the royal tax on our fields and vineyards. 5 Look: We're the same flesh and blood as our brothers here; our children are just as good as theirs. Yet here we are having to sell our children off as slaves - some of our daughters have already been sold - and we can't do anything about it because our fields and vineyards are owned by somebody else."
6 I got really angry when I heard their protest and complaints. 7 After thinking it over, I called the nobles and officials on the carpet. I said, "Each one of you is gouging his brother." 8 I told them, "We did everything we could to buy back our Jewish brothers who had to sell themselves as slaves to foreigners. And now you're selling these same brothers back into debt slavery! Does that mean that we have to buy them back again?" They said nothing. What could they say? 9 "What you're doing is wrong. Is there no fear of God left in you? Don't you care what the nations around here, our enemies, think of you? 10 "I and my brothers and the people working for me have also loaned them money. But this gouging them with interest has to stop. 11 Give them back their foreclosed fields, vineyards, olive groves, and homes right now. And forgive your claims on their money, grain, new wine, and olive oil." 12 They said, "We'll give it all back. We won't make any more demands on them. We'll do everything you say." 13 Then I emptied my pockets, turning them inside out, and said, "So may God empty the pockets and house of everyone who doesn't keep this promise - turned inside out and emptied." Everyone gave a wholehearted "Yes, we'll do it!" and praised God. And the people did what they promised. "Remember in My Favor, O My God"
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:1-13
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.
Commentary on Nehemiah 5:6-13
(Read Nehemiah 5:6-13)
Nehemiah knew that, if he built Jerusalem's walls ever so high, so thick, or so strong, the city could not be safe while there were abuses. The right way to reform men's lives, is to convince their consciences. If you walk in the fear of God, you will not be either covetous of worldly gain, or cruel toward your brethren. Nothing exposes religion more to reproach, than the worldliness and hard-heartedness of the professors of it. Those that rigorously insist upon their right, with a very ill grace try to persuade others to give up theirs. In reasoning with selfish people, it is good to contrast their conduct with that of others who are liberal; but it is best to point to His example, who though he was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, that we, through his poverty, might be rich, 2 Corinthians 8:9. They did according to promise. Good promises are good things, but good performances are better.