Nehemiah 5

Nehemiah 5:1

4. Internal Problems and Social Reformation (Chaps. 5, 6)5:1-7 In the midst of rebuilding, an ugly internal problem arose. Food was evidently scarce and expensive. Inflation, plus the . . . tax burden placed on the Jews by the king, had reduced many of them to poverty. They were forced to borrow money from their wealthier brothers and to mortgage their property. Some even had to sell their sons and daughters as slaves. And since their land was owned by others, they were left without means to buy back the children. When they told Nehemiah of their sad plight, he called the wealthy to a solemn assembly and rebuked them. 5:8-10 Was it not inconsistent to drive their Jewish brethren . . . into slavery when Nehemiah and others had been redeeming them from bondage to their heathen neighbors? Was it not imperative for their safety that they maintain a right relationship with God? How could they afford to alienate Jehovah by breaking His holy law by charging usury (vv. 9, 10; cf. Exo_22:25)? Even as their leader, Nehemiah, had set an example by not charging interest on loans he made, should they not do the same? 5:11, 12 After Nehemiah urged the rich to return the property gained by usury and to restore a measure of the interest exacted on loans of money, grain, new wine, and oil, they promised to do so. The priests were called and they sealed their pledge with an oath. 5:13 A vivid warning was then given of what would happen to anyone who reneged. He would be shaken off the good land like the dust off a garment. With a hearty “Amen” the men left the meeting and performed their vow. 5:14-19 A short account of Nehemiah’s twelve-year tenure as governor closes chapter 5. He supported himself rather than charge the people with his maintenance. He did not take advantage of his position to acquire land or feather his nest for the future. His time was devoted to making Jerusalem safe for his brothers, not to building his own personal fortune. He supplied his own table and welcomed strangers to share his hospitality. He did all this because he feared God. If God kept track of his sacrifices, that was sufficient for Nehemiah.