Nehemiah Deals With Oppression

Christians in Romania relate that during the government oppression they had endured for years, Bibles were very scarce. Christian would tear pages out of the Bible and pass them around to read. Recently, while digging some footers they discovered a metal container that had been b … More

Oppression

Up to this point Nehemiah’s challenges as a spiritual leader had been primarily from those outside of Judah. However, in this chapter he faces the most difficult and intense kind of problem that any leader faces and that is problems from within. Not only were their enemies a constant threat to their security, but now many Jews were actually taking advantage of other Jews. Some of the men and their wives complained about the Jews in power (v. 1). This was manifested in the following ways:

  1. The people faced a food shortage (v. 2) - Work on the wall hindered tending their crops.
  2. Others had grain but in order to get it, they had to mortgage their fields (v. 3)
  3. Others had to borrow money to pay their taxes (v. 4) - This problem was compounded by some charging exorbitant interest rates to their own Jewish brothers.
  4. To repay their creditors they had to sell their children into slavery (v. 5)

Nehemiah was angry when he discovered the injustice (v. 6). Even though his anger was righteous indignation, he did not take immediate action (v. 7a). He first of all gathers the rich members of the community together and brings this injustice to their attention (v. 7b). Then he calls all of the Jewish community together for a “great assembly” (v. 7c). God’s reputation was at stake (vv. 8-9). Immoral and unethical behavior was bringing reproach to His name.  Nehemiah asked the people to return what they had taken from others and stop charging interest (vv. 10-11). No doubt he was pleased when the people responded to his exhortations (vv. 12-13).

Application

For me to care for those who are in need is more important than personal gain (I Cor. 12:26).

Nehemiah 5:1-13 (English Standard Version)


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