Nehemiah, Chapter 5:
advertising
Verses from Nehemiah, Chapter 5 of the book of Nehemiah in the Bible.
Nehemiah helps the poor
- 1. At that time, the people, men and women, began to complain about their Jewish brothers.
- 2. Some said: “We and our children are numerous; We need wheat to eat and survive.”
- 3. Others said, “We had to mortgage our lands, our vineyards, and our houses to obtain wheat during the famine.”
- 4. And then there were those who said, “We had to borrow money to pay the tax on our lands and vineyards.”
- 5. Despite being of the same descent as our Jewish brothers, and even having children as good as theirs, we are obliged to subject our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters have already been sold into slavery, and we can’t do anything because our lands and vineyards belong to others.”
- 6. When I heard these complaints and accusations, I was very indignant.
- 7. I reflected on the situation and rebuked the nobles and officials, saying: “You are charging interest to your own brothers!” So I called a great assembly against them
- 8. and said to them, “We have, to the best of our ability, rescued our Jewish brothers who were sold to the nations. And now you want to sell your own brothers again?” They were silent as they had no answer.
- 9. Then I continued: “What you are doing is not right. They should walk in the fear of our God to avoid the mockery of enemy nations.
- 10. I, my brothers and my servants have lent money and wheat to the people. But let's stop charging interest!
- 11. Immediately return to them their lands, their vineyards, their olive groves and their houses, as well as the hundredth part of the money, wheat, wine and oil that they charged as interest.”
- 12. They replied: “We will return everything that was demanded and will not ask for anything more. We will do what you ask.” So I summoned the priests and made them swear that they would fulfill this promise.
- 13. I also shook out the folds of my cloak and said, “May God shake out of their homes and possessions anyone who does not fulfill this promise. Let him be stripped and empty!” The entire assembly responded, “Amen!” and praised the Lord. And the people fulfilled what they had promised.
- 14. From the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when I was appointed governor in the land of Judah, until the thirty-second year of his reign, for twelve years, neither I nor my brothers ate the bread due to the governor.
- 15. But the previous governors who preceded me placed a heavy burden on the people and demanded from them four hundred and eighty grams of silver, in addition to food and wine. Even his assistants oppressed the people. But out of fear of God, I did not act that way.
- 16. Instead, I dedicated myself to the work of this wall, and all my servants joined me in the work. I have not acquired any property for myself.
- 17. I also kept at my table one hundred and fifty people, including Jews and officials, in addition to the guests from the neighboring nations who came to us.
- 18. Every day I provided an ox, six choice sheep and fowl, and every ten days I received a large quantity of wine. Despite this, I never demanded the food intended for the governor, as the burden on the people was too heavy.
- 19. Remember me, O my God, for my good, for all I have done for this people.
