Nehemiah 5: Addressing Injustice and Leading with Integrity
And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews.
For there were that said, We, our sons, and our daughters, are many: therefore we take up corn for them, that we may eat, and live.
Some also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth.
There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king’s tribute, and that upon our lands and vineyards.
Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children: and, lo, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and some of our daughters are brought unto bondage already: neither is it in our power to redeem them; for other men have our lands and vineyards.
And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.
Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them.
And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing to answer.
Also I said, It is not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?
I likewise, and my brethren, and my servants, might exact of them money and corn: I pray you, let us leave off this usury.
Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, also the hundredth part of the money, and of the corn, the wine, and the oil, that ye exact of them.
Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise.
Also I shook my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the Lord. And the people did according to this promise.
Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.
But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.
Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work.
Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us.
Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.
Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.
Nehemiah 5 unveils a troubling situation within the Jewish community during the rebuilding of Jerusalem. While facing external threats, internal strife threatened to undermine their progress. This chapter highlights the critical importance of addressing social injustice and the power of godly leadership by example. Nehemiah 5 is a reminder that spiritual renewal must be accompanied by ethical conduct and a commitment to the well-being of all members of the community.
Economic Exploitation and Social Injustice (Nehemiah 5:1-5)
Nehemiah 5:1-5 reveals a "serious family matter" rooted in economic exploitation. The Jewish people faced a confluence of challenges: personal loss, involvement in corporate activities that diverted time from agriculture, growing debt, and burdensome government taxation. These hardships created an environment ripe for abuse. Some Jews took advantage of their brethren's misfortunes, charging exorbitant interest rates on loans. This practice was particularly egregious, as it violated the spirit of the law, which forbade profiting from a brother's distress. This was more than just a financial issue; it was a deep betrayal of their shared covenant and community.
Nehemiah's Rebuke and Call to Repentance (Nehemiah 5:6-13)
Nehemiah was deeply angered by this injustice. He understood that their actions not only harmed their fellow Jews but also damaged their testimony before the surrounding nations. Nehemiah 5:8 records Nehemiah's pointed rebuke: "We have done our best to buy back our Jewish countrymen who were sold to foreigners, but now you sell your own countrymen, and we have to buy them back!" The irony was stark: they were redeeming Jews from foreign slavery, only to have them enslaved by their own people.
Nehemiah recognized that this was a spiritual issue. Their actions were making God look bad in front of their enemies. Nehemiah 5:9 emphasizes the importance of walking "in the fear of our God." When we are irresponsible in our actions, it tarnishes God's reputation in the eyes of outsiders. Our lives should be a reflection of God's character, making Him look good through everything we do.
Nehemiah called for restitution. He demanded that the lenders return what they had unjustly taken, including the interest (Nehemiah 5:11). This highlights a crucial spiritual principle: when we have wronged someone, we must seek to make amends. This principle of restitution extends to all areas of life, including relationships. If you have neglected a relationship, apologize and commit to making it right.
The people responded positively, agreeing to restore what they had taken and to require nothing more from their fellow Jews (Nehemiah 5:12). To solidify their commitment, Nehemiah administered a self-maledictory oath, a solemn vow invoking a curse upon themselves if they failed to fulfill their promise. Nehemiah 5:13 describes Nehemiah shaking the folds of his robe, symbolizing the fate that would befall those who broke their oath. This underscores the seriousness of making promises and the importance of keeping our word. God holds us accountable to our promises.
Nehemiah's Example of Selfless Leadership (Nehemiah 5:14-19)
Nehemiah's leadership extended beyond his rebuke and call to repentance. For twelve years as governor (Nehemiah 5:14), he refused to take the provisions and taxes that were due to him, unlike his predecessors (Nehemiah 5:15). He devoted himself to the construction of the wall (Nehemiah 5:16) and led by example. He understood that true leadership requires sacrifice and a willingness to put the needs of others before one's own.
Nehemiah's integrity and selfless service were motivated by his desire to honor God. He sought God's favor and remembered him favorably (Nehemiah 5:19). This should prompt us to consider how God will remember us. Are we living in a way that pleases Him? Are we using our gifts and resources to serve others and advance His kingdom?
Nehemiah's prayer in Nehemiah 5:19, "Remember me favorably, my God, for all I have done for this people," is a powerful reminder of the importance of living a life of service and integrity. Ultimately, our goal should be to hear Jesus say, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21).
And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews.
For there were that said, We, our sons, and our daughters, are many: therefore we take up corn for them, that we may eat, and live.
Some also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth.
There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king’s tribute, and that upon our lands and vineyards.
Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children: and, lo, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and some of our daughters are brought unto bondage already: neither is it in our power to redeem them; for other men have our lands and vineyards.
And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.
Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them.
And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing to answer.
Also I said, It is not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?
I likewise, and my brethren, and my servants, might exact of them money and corn: I pray you, let us leave off this usury.
Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, also the hundredth part of the money, and of the corn, the wine, and the oil, that ye exact of them.
Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise.
Also I shook my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the Lord. And the people did according to this promise.
Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.
But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.
Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work.
Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us.
Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.
Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.
Nehemiah 5 unveils a troubling situation within the Jewish community during the rebuilding of Jerusalem. While facing external threats, internal strife threatened to undermine their progress. This chapter highlights the critical importance of addressing social injustice and the power of godly leadership by example. Nehemiah 5 is a reminder that spiritual renewal must be accompanied by ethical conduct and a commitment to the well-being of all members of the community.
Economic Exploitation and Social Injustice (Nehemiah 5:1-5)
Nehemiah 5:1-5 reveals a "serious family matter" rooted in economic exploitation. The Jewish people faced a confluence of challenges: personal loss, involvement in corporate activities that diverted time from agriculture, growing debt, and burdensome government taxation. These hardships created an environment ripe for abuse. Some Jews took advantage of their brethren's misfortunes, charging exorbitant interest rates on loans. This practice was particularly egregious, as it violated the spirit of the law, which forbade profiting from a brother's distress. This was more than just a financial issue; it was a deep betrayal of their shared covenant and community.
Nehemiah's Rebuke and Call to Repentance (Nehemiah 5:6-13)
Nehemiah was deeply angered by this injustice. He understood that their actions not only harmed their fellow Jews but also damaged their testimony before the surrounding nations. Nehemiah 5:8 records Nehemiah's pointed rebuke: "We have done our best to buy back our Jewish countrymen who were sold to foreigners, but now you sell your own countrymen, and we have to buy them back!" The irony was stark: they were redeeming Jews from foreign slavery, only to have them enslaved by their own people.
Nehemiah recognized that this was a spiritual issue. Their actions were making God look bad in front of their enemies. Nehemiah 5:9 emphasizes the importance of walking "in the fear of our God." When we are irresponsible in our actions, it tarnishes God's reputation in the eyes of outsiders. Our lives should be a reflection of God's character, making Him look good through everything we do.
Nehemiah called for restitution. He demanded that the lenders return what they had unjustly taken, including the interest (Nehemiah 5:11). This highlights a crucial spiritual principle: when we have wronged someone, we must seek to make amends. This principle of restitution extends to all areas of life, including relationships. If you have neglected a relationship, apologize and commit to making it right.
The people responded positively, agreeing to restore what they had taken and to require nothing more from their fellow Jews (Nehemiah 5:12). To solidify their commitment, Nehemiah administered a self-maledictory oath, a solemn vow invoking a curse upon themselves if they failed to fulfill their promise. Nehemiah 5:13 describes Nehemiah shaking the folds of his robe, symbolizing the fate that would befall those who broke their oath. This underscores the seriousness of making promises and the importance of keeping our word. God holds us accountable to our promises.
Nehemiah's Example of Selfless Leadership (Nehemiah 5:14-19)
Nehemiah's leadership extended beyond his rebuke and call to repentance. For twelve years as governor (Nehemiah 5:14), he refused to take the provisions and taxes that were due to him, unlike his predecessors (Nehemiah 5:15). He devoted himself to the construction of the wall (Nehemiah 5:16) and led by example. He understood that true leadership requires sacrifice and a willingness to put the needs of others before one's own.
Nehemiah's integrity and selfless service were motivated by his desire to honor God. He sought God's favor and remembered him favorably (Nehemiah 5:19). This should prompt us to consider how God will remember us. Are we living in a way that pleases Him? Are we using our gifts and resources to serve others and advance His kingdom?
Nehemiah's prayer in Nehemiah 5:19, "Remember me favorably, my God, for all I have done for this people," is a powerful reminder of the importance of living a life of service and integrity. Ultimately, our goal should be to hear Jesus say, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21).