Nehemiah 5:1–13 - 1 Now there was a great outcry of the people and of their wives against their Jewish brothers. 2 For there were those who said, “We, our sons and our daughters are many; therefore let us get grain that we may eat and live.” 3 There were others who said, “We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards and our houses that we might get grain because of the famine.” 4 Also there were those who said, “We have borrowed money for the king’s tax on our fields and our vineyards. 5 “Now our flesh is like the flesh of our brothers, our children like their children. Yet behold, we are forcing our sons and our daughters to be slaves, and some of our daughters are forced into bondage already, and we are helpless because our fields and vineyards belong to others.” 6 Then I was very angry when I had heard their outcry and these words. 7 I consulted with myself and contended with the nobles and the rulers and said to them, “You are exacting usury, each from his brother!” Therefore, I held a great assembly against them. 8 I said to them, “We according to our ability have redeemed our Jewish brothers who were sold to the nations; now would you even sell your brothers that they may be sold to us?” Then they were silent and could not find a word to say. 9 Again I said, “The thing which you are doing is not good; should you not walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies? 10 “And likewise I, my brothers and my servants are lending them money and grain. Please, let us leave off this usury. 11 “Please, give back to them this very day their fields, their vineyards, their olive groves and their houses, also the hundredth part of the money and of the grain, the new wine and the oil that you are exacting from them.” 12 Then they said, “We will give it back and will require nothing from them; we will do exactly as you say.” So I called the priests and took an oath from them that they would do according to this promise. 13 I also shook out the front of my garment and said, “Thus may God shake out every man from his house and from his possessions who does not fulfill this promise; even thus may he be shaken out and emptied.” And all the assembly said, “Amen!” And they praised the Lord. Then the people did according to this promise.
What does today’s passage say?
In today's passage, Nehemiah hears complaints from Jewish families suffering under extreme hardship, unable to pay debts or buy food (vv. 1-3). Nobles and Judah's leaders charge high interest on loans to buy food, forcing families to sell their children into slavery (vv. 4-5). Angry at these unjust practices violating God's law, Nehemiah confronts the rulers and nobles in a large public meeting, blaming them for sinning in taking interest (vv. 6-7). Nehemiah challenges them to immediately restore people's property and cancel improper debts, holding them accountable to God's standards (vv. 8-9) The leaders agree with Nehemiah to obey him and resolve the injustice with compassion. Nehemiah takes an oath from leaders to uphold their agreement. He sets the example by refusing government payments due him because of the people's burden (vv. 10-13).
How can I apply Nehemiah 5:1-13 to my life?
Nehemiah continues to model bold leadership through steadfast prayer, vision, perseverance, compassion, and integrity that God uses to transform a devastated Jerusalem. Today, the focus is on a challenging conflict that flared up in Judah's society as Nehemiah led the massive project of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. External threats and opposition had not stopped Nehemiah's progress, but internal injustices and abuses of power now oppressed the poor. This caused people deep anguish and even drove some to slavery just to pay off crippling debt owed to their fellow Jews. But Nehemiah confronts the toxic situation head-on, tackling the complex roots and compelling the powerful to change. His example shows how leaders must rely fully on God's wisdom and strength to challenge corruption, remedy inequality, and redeem what is broken. The issues Nehemiah faced highlight that godly leaders cannot compromise God's values or stay silent when people suffer, no matter how messy the situation may be. Here are some basic principles from this passage that we should apply to our lives:
1. Confront Injustice with Godly Boldness and Integrity (vv. 1-7): Nehemiah addressed an extremely troubling situation - one where inequality and hardship led people into slavery just to survive. His response provides an important model. He swiftly confronted the nobles and rulers, compelling an open community meeting to advocate for the suffering. For us as leaders, this passage underscores the need to cultivate both compassion and courage when injustice persists. Exploitation still steals life and dignity from vulnerable people in communities today, whether driven by greed and entitlement or negligence and ignorance. Followers of Christ cannot stay silent. Like Nehemiah, we must be willing to acknowledge the realities people face, investigate the complex roots beneath the surface, and appeal to God's commands for justice and care for the oppressed as we firmly yet humbly confront policies, attitudes, and behaviors that cause harm. This requires listening to truly understand people's suffering, seeking wisdom to unravel complex causes, developing sound solutions, and persisting despite resistance. As in Nehemiah's day, economic forces can still crush and entrap the marginalized. By his example, we see that transformative leadership requires holding ourselves and other leaders to the highest integrity in how we steward money, influence, and authority. Confronting injustice is challenging but Christ calls us to sacrificial advocacy and action that liberates the exploited and breaks cycles that fuel poverty and abuse (Proverbs 31:8-9, Micah 6:8, James 5:1-6).
Food for Thought: What injustices or abuses of power do you see around you? What factors may be perpetuating them? How can you lead with greater courage, wisdom and humility to confront injustice while pointing to God's compassionate commands?
2. Hold Others Accountable to God's Standards, Not Just Your Own (vv. 8-9): Nehemiah confronted the nobles and rulers about their practice of exacting interest from their own people, which was against God's laws. As leaders, we must hold others accountable to ethical behavior based on God's standards, not just our personal opinions. Though uncomfortable, we need to call out practices or mindsets within the church, our communities, and our spheres of influence that exploit or devalue people made in God's image. This requires understanding God's heart for justice, mercy, and compassion revealed in Scripture, coupled with discernment, courage, and humility. Like Nehemiah, we should foster an open discussion when corruption or negligence persists - creating an environment for honest dialogue, confession, and change. Rather than defending the status quo or covering up wrongs, godly leaders point consistently and compellingly to God's better ways. Our accountability measures should aim to be restorative rather than punitive, freeing people and systems from cycles promoting greed, entitlement, or dehumanization. Though people may resist at first when comfortable patterns are challenged, by God's grace, the truth can break strongholds and align lives and policies with His good and loving purposes (Proverbs 31:8-9, Amos 5:21-24, Matthew 23:23-24).
Food for Thought: What mindsets or practices do you see around you that do not reflect God's heart or ways? What makes it difficult to hold others accountable to ethical behavior based on God's standards? How can you lead with courage, humility and discernment to compel an honest reckoning when corruption or negligence persists?
3. Lead by Example in Generosity and Self-Sacrifice (vv. 10-13): Nehemiah set the tone for the community by refusing to place extra burdens on the people, even though he was entitled as governor to receive food and payments. As leaders, our example speaks volumes and should reflect the selfless, giving heart of our Savior. Though we may have rights or privileges, we must lay these aside to identify with those struggling under hardship. Like Nehemiah, saying "no" to self-interest and comfort shows that we view leadership as stewardship for others' good rather than status for personal gain. Our willingness to sacrifice privileges communicates that we care more about people's well-being than guarding our own interests. Moreover, generosity has a unifying effect, breaking down walls between classes and roles. Freely using our influence, time, skills and resources to empower those in need makes the body of Christ more equitable and whole. Of course, self-sacrifice is not easy when cultural forces and norms pull us toward self-promotion over service. But by looking to Jesus’ example of laying aside divine rights for our sake, we gain perspective and purpose. His Spirit enables us to lead through self-giving love. And when we walk this path joyfully, we invite others to join God's work of generously rebuilding broken lives, communities and systems (2 Corinthians 8:9, Matthew 20:25-28, Philippians 2:3-8).
Food for Thought: What self-interests might you need to lay down in order to lead by self-sacrificial example? How can you tap into God's grace to lead with joyful generosity instead of begrudging duty?
Today, we see Nehemiah tackle a very troubling situation where inequality and hardship led people into slavery just to survive. He swiftly confronted the leaders about the injustice, holding them accountable to follow God's standards for protecting the vulnerable. Nehemiah also led by selfless example in giving up privileges and generously using his influence for the people's good rather than his own gain. This models how godly leaders must rely fully on God's wisdom and strength to challenge corruption, remedy inequality, and redeem what is broken - no matter how messy or complex the situation. Though confronting injustice is difficult, we must speak up for those who suffer exploitation and abuse of power. We need courage, compassion, and integrity to investigate roots of harm, develop sound solutions, and compel those perpetuating injustice to change. And central to this work is laying down selfish gain to sacrificially serve the oppressed. When leaders follow Nehemiah’s pattern of bold advocacy, accountability, and selfless service, it shows their hearts to be aligned with God’s desire for justice and wholeness. May we lead communities where all people, including the poor and vulnerable, are treated with equity, dignity, and care as beloved image-bearers of God.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that You would give me boldness and wisdom to confront injustice when I see people suffering exploitation. Help me to deal with these with humility, sound judgement, and insight. Compel me to speak up for the vulnerable, following Your commands to set captives free, correct oppression, and provide for those crushed by life’s troubles. I pray that You would give me discernment to hold others accountable when I see sin, corruption, and negligence persisting among leaders and systems meant to serve people. Fill me with Your heart of compassion, justice, and kindness for the marginalized. I pray that You would break the grip of greed and self-interest in my own life and leadership. Instill generosity within me, empowering me to freely give my influence, time, skills, and resources to strengthen those in need. Help me to lead by self-sacrificial example, identifying with the struggling and oppressed.
I pray these things in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Nehemiah 5:9 - Again I said, “The thing which you are doing is not good; should you not walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies?”
With His Blessings,
Pastor Corby
Commentaires