1 Now there arose a great outcry of the people and of their wives against their Jewish brothers.
2 For there were those who said, “With our sons and our daughters, we are many. So let us get grain, that we may eat and keep alive.”
3 There were also those who said, “We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards, and our houses to get grain because of the famine.”
4 And there were those who said, “We have borrowed money for the king’s tax on our fields and our vineyards.
5 Now our flesh is as the flesh of our brothers, our children are as their children. Yet we are forcing our sons and our daughters to be slaves, and some of our daughters have already been enslaved, but it is not in our power to help it, for other men have our fields and our vineyards.
6 I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these words.
7 I took counsel with myself, and I brought charges against the nobles and the officials. I said to them, “You are exacting interest, each from his brother.” And I held a great assembly against them.
8 and said to them, “We, as far as we are able, have bought back our Jewish brothers who have been sold to the nations, but you even sell your brothers that they may be sold to us!” They were silent and could not find a word to say.
9 So I said, “The thing that you are doing is not good. Ought you not to walk in the fear of our God to prevent the taunts of the nations our enemies?
10 I also said, “The thing that you are doing is not good. Ought you not to walk in the fear of our God to prevent the taunts of the nations our enemies?
11 Return to them this very day their fields, their vineyards, their olive orchards, and their houses, and the percentage of money, grain, wine, and oil that you have been exacting from them.”
12 Then they said, “We will restore these and require nothing from them. We will do as you say.” And I called the priests and made them swear to do as they had promised.
13 I also shook out the fold of my garment and said, “So may God shake out every man from his house and from his labor who does not keep this promise. So may he be shaken out and emptied.” And all the assembly said “Amen” and praised the Lord. And the people did as they had promised.
14 Moreover, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the king, twelve years, neither I nor my brothers ate the food allowance of the governor.
15 The former governors who were before me laid heavy burdens on the people and took from them for their daily ration forty shekels of silver. Even their servants lorded it over the people. But I did not do so, because of the fear of God.
16 I also persevered in the work on this wall, and we acquired no land, and all my servants were gathered there for the work.
17 Moreover, there were at my table 150 men, Jews and officials, besides those who came to us from the nations that were around us.
18 Now what was prepared at my expense for each day was one ox and six choice sheep and birds, and every ten days all kinds of wine in abundance. But for all this I did not demand the food allowance of the governor, because the service was too heavy on this people.
19 Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people.
The True Meaning of Nehemiah 5
The book of Nehemiah was written by the prophet Nehemiah, who served as a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes. Nehemiah was a dedicated servant of God, tasked with rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. The struggles of the people as they face economic hardship and oppression are witnessed in this chapter. The events described here provide a glimpse into the challenges the Israelites faced as they sought to restore their homeland and their relationship with the Lord.
The chapter begins by highlighting the cries of the people, who were being exploited by their own kinsmen. Nehemiah, moved by their plight, confronts the nobles and officials, calling them to account for their unjust practices. This passage echoes the teachings of the prophets, who repeatedly condemned the exploitation of the poor and the abuse of power by the wealthy and influential. Nehemiah’s leadership and the people’s response to his call for justice and compassion can serve as a model for us today as we strive to build a society that reflects the values of God’s kingdom as we delve into this chapter.
Nehemiah 5:1-5
Nehemiah 5:1-5 reads: “Now the men and their wives raised a great outcry against their fellow Jews. Some were saying, ‘We and our sons and daughters are numerous; in order for us to eat and stay alive, we must get grain.’ Others were saying, ‘We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards and our homes to get grain during the famine.’ Still others were saying, ‘We have had to borrow money to pay the king’s tax on our fields and vineyards. Although we are of the same flesh and blood as our fellow Jews and though our children are as good as theirs, yet we have to subject our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters have already been enslaved, but we are powerless, because our fields and our vineyards belong to others.’”
This passage in Nehemiah reveals a significant issue that arose among the Jewish community during the time of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. The people were facing economic hardships due to a famine, and as a result, they were struggling to feed their families and maintain ownership of their properties. This led to internal strife within the community, as some were being forced to mortgage their lands and even sell their children into slavery simply to survive.
One of the important aspects to note here is the sense of solidarity that emerges in the complaints of the people. They point out that they are of the same flesh and blood as their fellow Jews, emphasizing their shared heritage and common identity. Despite this unity, they were still facing injustices and exploitation from their own brethren, which was causing great distress among the community.
The situation described in Nehemiah 5:1-5 highlights the dangers of economic exploitation and social injustice within a community. It points to the importance of caring for the vulnerable and ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and justly, especially among those who share the same faith and heritage. This resonates with broader biblical principles of justice, such as caring for the poor and oppressed, as seen throughout the Bible in verses like Proverbs 14:31, which states, “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
Nehemiah, as a leader and a man of God, was confronted with this situation and later takes decisive action to address the injustices. His response serves as a model for leaders today, showing the importance of standing up for the marginalized and advocating for justice within the community. Nehemiah’s leadership in this context demonstrates the biblical value of compassion, justice, and unity among believers, guiding us to uphold these principles in our own lives and communities.
Nehemiah 5:6-13
Nehemiah responds to the outcry of the people regarding the unjust practices that were occurring among them in Nehemiah 5:6-13. Let’s break down this verse into important sections and provide in-depth commentary on each segment. Nehemiah’s deep disappointment and anger at the nobles and officials who were exploiting their fellow Jews through high interest rates and seizing their property is seen at the beginning of this passage. This blatant disregard for the well-being of their own people deeply troubled Nehemiah. Nehemiah, a leader appointed by God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and restore the community, understood the importance of justice and fairness among the people. This scenario reveals a stark contrast between the heart of Nehemiah and the actions of those who were enriching themselves at the expense of their brethren.
Nehemiah gathers the people and confronts the nobles and officials, demanding that they stop their exploitative practices and restore what they had taken from their fellow Jews. Nehemiah’s boldness and courage in addressing this issue head-on exemplify his leadership qualities. He did not turn a blind eye to injustice but addressed it with conviction and urgency. This reflects the biblical principle of standing up for the oppressed and holding the powerful accountable for their actions.
Furthermore, Nehemiah set a personal example by not taking advantage of the people for his own benefit, even though he had the right to demand support for his service as governor. Instead, he demonstrated humility and selflessness by working alongside the people and providing for his own needs without burdening them. This act of integrity and servanthood set Nehemiah apart as a leader who genuinely cared for the welfare of the community. The nobles and officials committed to making reparations and amending their ways as a result of Nehemiah’s intervention. They pledged to return the seized property and stop charging excessive interest rates. This turnaround illustrates the power of repentance and reconciliation in restoring community harmony and upholding God’s standards of righteousness. It also underscores the significance of accountability and restitution in rectifying past wrongs. We can draw parallels to the teachings of Jesus regarding the importance of treating others with love and fairness in this passage. Jesus emphasizes the commandment to show compassion and respect towards others by instructing his followers in Matthew 22:39 to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Nehemiah’s response to the social injustices within the community aligns with this core teaching, demonstrating the timeless relevance of applying God’s principles of justice and mercy in all aspects of life. Nehemiah 5:6-13 serves as a poignant reminder of the moral obligations we have towards one another as members of a community. Nehemiah’s righteous indignation, courageous leadership, and commitment to upholding justice provide a model for us to follow in advocating for the oppressed and fostering unity and compassion in society. This passage emphasizes the enduring truth that God calls us to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him (Micah 6:8), embodying these virtues in our interactions with others.
Nehemiah 5:14-19
Nehemiah, the appointed governor of Judah, reflects on his leadership and his commitment to serving both the people and God in Nehemiah 5:14-19. Let’s break down this verse into important sections and analyze their deeper meanings.
Firstly, in verse 14, Nehemiah mentions that during his twelve-year tenure as governor, neither he nor his brothers ate the governor’s food allowance. This statement reflects Nehemiah’s integrity and commitment to leading by example. Nehemiah showed humility and selflessness by choosing not to take advantage of the perks that came with his position. This act highlights the importance of humility and servant leadership in the eyes of God. Jesus himself exemplified this kind of leadership in the New Testament when he washed the feet of his disciples (John 13:1-17).
Moving on to verse 15, Nehemiah emphasizes that the previous governors had burdened the people with heavy taxes and demands. However, Nehemiah chose not to do so out of reverence for God. This sheds light on the corrupt practices that had plagued the leadership before Nehemiah’s time. Nehemiah’s conscious decision to not exploit the people for personal gain shows his commitment to fairness and justice, aligning with God’s principles of caring for the marginalized and oppressed. This mirrors the biblical injunction to treat others as we would like to be treated (Matthew 7:12). Nehemiah recounts in verses 16-18 how he dedicated himself to the work on the wall of Jerusalem, refusing to take advantage of his position for personal gain. He also mentions how he generously provided for those around him, including 150 Jews and officials who ate at his table. This act of hospitality and generosity reflects Nehemiah’s benevolent leadership style, as well as his understanding of the importance of communal sharing and caring for others in need. This mirrors the biblical teachings on generosity and sharing what we have with others (Acts 20:35). Nehemiah prays to God in the final verse to remember him for his good deeds towards the people of Judah. This prayer reflects Nehemiah’s reliance on God’s favor and his desire for his actions to be pleasing in the sight of the Lord. Nehemiah’s prayer reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s approval in all that we do and the ultimate reward that comes from serving Him faithfully (Colossians 3:23-24). Nehemiah’s leadership in Nehemiah 5:14-19 exemplifies integrity, humility, justice, generosity, and reliance on God’s favor. His actions not only contributed to the physical restoration of Jerusalem but also set a moral and ethical standard for leaders to follow. Through Nehemiah’s story, we are reminded of the timeless message of serving others with integrity and righteousness, putting the needs of the community before personal gain, and seeking the approval of God above all else.
After Nehemiah 5
The people had faced many hardships, but Nehemiah’s leadership and the people’s unity had seen them through. Yet, as the chapter drew to a close, a new challenge emerged. The nobles and officials had been exploiting the poor, charging them high interest rates and seizing their lands. Nehemiah was outraged by this injustice and immediately set about addressing the issue. The next chapter would reveal how Nehemiah confronted this new obstacle, determined to ensure justice and fairness for all the people under his care.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.