Nehemiah 5:6-13 | The Way of Scripture

Nehemiah 5:6-13

What does Nehemiah require beyond a promise to do better?

Berean Standard Bible

6 When I heard their outcry and these complaints, I became extremely angry, 7 and after serious thought I rebuked the nobles and officials, saying, “You are exacting usury from your own brothers!” So I called a large assembly against them 8 and said, “We have done our best to buy back our Jewish brothers who were sold to foreigners, but now you are selling your own brothers, that they may be sold back to us!” But they remained silent, for they could find nothing to say. 9 So I continued, “What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our foreign enemies?
10 I, as well as my brothers and my servants, have been lending the people money and grain. Please, let us stop this usury. 11 Please restore to them immediately their fields, vineyards, olive groves, and houses, along with the percentage of the money, grain, new wine, and oil that you have been assessing them.” 12 “We will restore it,” they replied, “and will require nothing more from them. We will do as you say.” So I summoned the priests and required of the nobles and officials an oath that they would do what they had promised. 13 I also shook out the folds of my robe and said, “May God likewise shake out of his house and possessions every man who does not keep this promise. May such a man be shaken out and have nothing!” The whole assembly said, “Amen,” and they praised the LORD. And the people did as they had promised.

What is the context?

Nehemiah becomes angry at the complaints, gives the matter serious thought and rebukes the nobles and officials for charging their own brothers interest. He contrasts their conduct with the effort to buy back Jews who had been sold to foreigners.

He says that he and his household are also lending money and grain, and calls on them to stop charging interest. He requires the immediate return of fields, vineyards, olive groves, houses and the amounts being assessed.

The creditors agree to restore what has been taken and require nothing more. Nehemiah brings in the priests to confirm the promise by oath, then shakes out his robe as a warning of what should happen to anyone who breaks it. The assembly praises God, and the people act on the promise.

The prohibition of interest on a loan to a brother appears in Deuteronomy 23:19–20. Deuteronomy 15:1–18 also joins debt release and care for servants with the memory that Israel was once enslaved and redeemed.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Henry emphasizes that fear of God should change how people use their rights and resources toward their neighbors. Gill likewise understands the response as the return of property confirmed by an oath. The account’s emphasis is on returning what has been taken and following through, rather than ending with words alone.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

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