1 1-2 A great protest was mounted by the people, including the wives, against their fellow Jews. 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.”
4-5 And others said, “We’re having to borrow money to pay the royal tax on our fields and vineyards. 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.”
6-7 I got really angry when I heard their protest and complaints. After thinking it over, I called the nobles and officials on the carpet. I said, “Each one of you is gouging his brother.”
7-8 Then I called a big meeting to deal with them. 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?
10-11 “I and my brothers and the people working for me have also loaned them money. But this gouging them with interest has to stop. 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.”
12-13 They said, “We’ll give it all back. We won’t make any more demands on them. We’ll do everything you say.”
Then I called the priests together and made them promise to keep their word. 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.
People of God, apart from facing external threats from the enemies, also have to overcome the problem of unity caused by the injustice and oppression among them. Some of them protested against others as they have starved and sold their homes, field, and even children for repaying the loans and interests charged by other people. People of God lost the unity in God as the rich and wealthy have not looked after the needy and even claimed more from them. Nehemiah lost no time in resolving the problem and stepped in to call people to remember the fear of God in them. People of God including all the nobles and leaders made promise to help relieving the burdens of their fellow brothers. Unity is restored and people praised God for His works.
My Father God, You call us no matter we are rich or poor to be your people, and at the same time, looking after the needs of our brothers and sisters that we can be united in worshiping you. Give us your heart of compassion and generosity that we know how to share your resources with each other. May your name be glorified as we live out this unity in your church.
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