Nehemiah 5, Finish the Race (3)

The “enemy within” is greater than the “enemy without.”  That’s what Nehemiah faces here: the “enemy within.”  Disunity caused by greed.    

Before we consider the situation, let’s remind ourselves that rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem was a huge undertaking.  According to Neh. 3 a large number of people were involved.  And remember too, that it had been 90 years since the first and largest group had returned to rebuild the temple.  Why had it not been done already?  One reason would have been that it required a lot of work.  It was only under the leadership of the great and godly Nehemiah that it was possible.

There was the normal situation amongst the Jews of some who were rich and some who were not rich.  Then, if you added the fact that a lot of people were willing to be involved in the wall project, those people were devoted to the wall and had to neglect their own needs.  The wall would be beneficial for everyone, rich and poor alike.  For this to happen, the “have-nots” would need consideration from the “haves.”  But it seems it wasn’t happening.  

The result was that many had to mortgage their lands, and for others their children were having to work for the rich in what amounted to a “master-slave” situation.  This was contrary to the Mosaic Law.  Taking interest from the poor was forbidden (Ex. 22:25).  Jewish slaves were to be set free every 7 years (Ex. 21:2).  Female slaves were not to do the same work as male slaves (Ex. 21:7).  These were being violated.  What was Nehemiah to do?

1.    He became angry (5:6).  With righteous anger!

2.    Then he thought seriously (5:7a).  That’s how we know it was righteous anger.

3.    Then he rebuked the “nobles and rulers.” calling for a “great assembly” (5:7b-11).  Any interest amounted to “usury” since they were not to charge any interest for grain they would loan to the needy.  Nehemiah reminded them they had spent 70 years in captivity among the nations (v8), a fact that left them speechless (i.e. without excuse).  Nehemiah used himself as an example since he had been lending to the poor (v10).  He then exhorted the rich to restore the mortgaged land and homes and a portion of money that had been already paid (v11). 

Nehemiah’s rebuke was immediately heeded by the nobles and rulers (v12f), and Nehemiah took an oath from them so that the work could continue while these things were worked out.  The result was a loud “Amen” from the assembly.

Why were the rich so willing to yield to Nehemiah?  The answer is in v14-18.  Nehemiah had been setting an example already, an example of generosity.  He was unlike any of the former governors, not taking money from the people that he had a right to take.  Again, Nehemiah was a great servant-leader!  And then, Nehemiah put it all in the LORD’s hands, to reward him accordingly (v19).