March 09 2025 // Nehemiah 5:1-19
APPLICATION: Read & watch/listen to Nehemiah 5:1-19
Nehemiah 5:1-19
“The Battle Within” – Nehemiah chapter 5
The Peoples Cry - vs 1-5
Nehemiah’s Anger - Vs. 6-12
Called them to commitment
Nehemiah’s Example: vs 14-18 - (Free)
Nehemiah’s Prayer: vs. 19
Before the Babylonians forced Judah into exile, the prophet Amos pointed to the Jews’ injustices as one reason for God’s displeasure and their impending captivity. He wrote, “Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5:23–24).
Seventy years later the Jews began returning to Judah; yet these same issues of fairness and compassion surfaced again. Once more God addressed the people through a prophet. This time Zechariah spoke: “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other’ ” (Zech. 7:9–10).
Despite previous experience and warnings, Nehemiah heard complaints about injustices within the community. The wealthy were charging such high and burdensome interest rates that the common people were being forced into debt or their children into slavery. The civic and business leaders were advancing their personal interests and accumulating wealth by oppressing their “brothers.” Nehemiah confronted the accused: “What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God?” (Neh. 5:9).
The principle of brotherhood is strong throughout the Bible. The majority of the Ten Commandments center on this concept. Every human being is related to every other, simply by virtue of our creation in God’s image. Every human life is to be treated with respect and dignity; each person is to be valued.
Beyond the general principle of human brotherhood, a special relationship exists within a community of believers. Israel represented God’s spiritual community. The Jews were to regard one another as inseparably bonded; they were brothers of faith and soul. This concept continues into the New Testament where Christians are instructed to regard other believers as true “brothers and sisters,” related more closely because of the blood of Christ. Christians are kinsmen into eternity because we are part of a spiritual family.
While mistreatment of any human being is utterly wrong, neglect or disregard for those with whom we are bound by spirit is reprehensible. Paul wrote, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Gal. 6:10).
Some of our spiritual relatives are surrounded by the terrors and hardships of war, others are sold into slavery, and still more have barely enough to eat. Are we, by our lifestyle, among the oppressors? Are we trying to find ways to relieve our brothers’ burdens? Are we more concerned for our profits and comfort than we are for Christ’s children?
“Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5:24).[1]
Please Show Your Credentials
There has been an explosion of credential-granting organizations and specialties. It used to be rather easy—MD, PhD, RN, CPA. Now there are numerous letter combinations signifying some expertise. I came across a person’s name followed by, C-ACYFSW. I had no clue what this meant. I later learned it identified a “Certified Advanced Children, Youth, and Family Social Worker.”
When the new governor entered Jerusalem in 446 B.C., he wrote his name—Nehemiah, CB (cupbearer). Well, probably not. As cupbearer Nehemiah probably received quite an education in government and leadership just by observation at Susa. His most important credential, however, was strength of character. The poor of Judah and Jerusalem came to him to voice their complaints because they noticed a difference in Nehemiah, something that placed him apart from all their former governors and leaders. He displayed a genuine concern for the welfare of the people, and he conducted himself with integrity.
Unbending in his adherence to the laws of God and his moral standards, Nehemiah led not only by an expressed vision but also by example. He brought with him letters from King Artaxerxes, but more importantly he came bearing the favor of God.
Of course, education and specialized training can be useful in life and in service to Christ. But the more important issue is attitude of heart. Paul wrote:
Nehemiah had few personal ambitions. He certainly did not follow after the established and presumed methods of leadership. Rather than acquiring lands and privilege, Nehemiah served the people. Rather than seeking advantage, he sought service. Others worked hard for themselves, making business and political alliances and deals and accumulating powerful connections like a string of letters behind their name. Nehemiah was content with one credential—servant of God.[2]
Digging Deeper:
Personal Rights (5:14–18)
The idea of personal rights figures prominently in Western cultures. It forms some of the rationale for our democratic political system and our courts.
Throughout the Bible, however, we find a call to submit our rights to a higher good. As governor, Nehemiah had certain rights that came with his leadership position. Rather than insisting on what was his, or even assuming that he should follow tradition, he relinquished his rights for the welfare of the Jewish citizens.
Jesus challenged his followers to release their “rights” and replace them with generosity (Matt. 6). He was not establishing a new law that allowed abuse and timidity; rather, he was calling his followers to love and giving. Personal concerns were to be superseded by interest in others.
Paul followed this up in Romans 12 by instructing Christians to “not think of yourself more highly than you ought” but to “share with God’s people who are in need.… Live in harmony with one another.… Be willing to associate with people of low position.… Do not repay anyone evil for evil … as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Rom. 12:3, 13, 16–18). These injunctions are impossible if we cling to our rights. In fact, forgiveness, the very cornerstone of our faith, is impossible if we refuse to relinquish our rights for the good of others.[3]
Questions to Consider:
1. Compare and contrast Nehemiah 5; 1 Corinthians 9:3–15; and 1 Thessalonians 2:6–9. Are there limits to self-sacrifice? If so, explain.
2. Does Christ place on Christians the social responsibility of caring for the poor? Discuss your position, giving biblical support.
3. Was Nehemiah’s advocacy for interest-free loans a temporary measure? Or a permanent policy? What are possible ramifications of either position? Can you come to a biblical consensus about loans, debt, and interest charges?[4]
Prayer Time:
[1] Knute Larson and Kathy Dahlen, Holman Old Testament Commentary - Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, ed. Max Anders (Broadman & Holman Publishers., 2005), 188–189.
[2] Knute Larson and Kathy Dahlen, Holman Old Testament Commentary - Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, ed. Max Anders (Broadman & Holman Publishers., 2005), 186–187.
[3] Knute Larson and Kathy Dahlen, Holman Old Testament Commentary - Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, ed. Max Anders (Broadman & Holman Publishers., 2005), 189.
[4] Knute Larson and Kathy Dahlen, Holman Old Testament Commentary - Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, ed. Max Anders (Broadman & Holman Publishers., 2005), 190.
Nehemiah 5:1-19
“The Battle Within” – Nehemiah chapter 5
The Peoples Cry - vs 1-5
Hardships had come
- Hunger vs. 2
- Famine vs. 3
- Taxation vs. 4
- Debt/Slavery
2 Groups Affected
- Those who owned no land - (Oppressed by others)
- Those who owned land - (Possessed by what they owned
- Mortgages: fields/vineyards/houses
- Loans: kings tax - continued “Ezra 4:13”
- Slavery/ Indentured servitude
- Considers his direction (Prayer?) vs. 7
- Confronts the guilty vs. 7-10
- Challenges the people vs. 10-12
- Abandon the interest
- Return their property
- Require nothing more
Called them to commitment
- Oath
- Curse - “shook out Robe”
- Carried his own weight - “able”
- Committed to his calling - “to God”
- Cared for his people
- Remember - “for my good”
- His service to the people
Life Application:
My mother was a single parent because of divorce. Consequently, she had to work hard every week to make a living and help support us. This meant that every Saturday morning when I was young, my older brother and I took turns sweeping and scrubbing the floors of our home and going to the grocery store with our mom. It was part of being family.Before the Babylonians forced Judah into exile, the prophet Amos pointed to the Jews’ injustices as one reason for God’s displeasure and their impending captivity. He wrote, “Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5:23–24).
Seventy years later the Jews began returning to Judah; yet these same issues of fairness and compassion surfaced again. Once more God addressed the people through a prophet. This time Zechariah spoke: “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other’ ” (Zech. 7:9–10).
Despite previous experience and warnings, Nehemiah heard complaints about injustices within the community. The wealthy were charging such high and burdensome interest rates that the common people were being forced into debt or their children into slavery. The civic and business leaders were advancing their personal interests and accumulating wealth by oppressing their “brothers.” Nehemiah confronted the accused: “What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God?” (Neh. 5:9).
The principle of brotherhood is strong throughout the Bible. The majority of the Ten Commandments center on this concept. Every human being is related to every other, simply by virtue of our creation in God’s image. Every human life is to be treated with respect and dignity; each person is to be valued.
Beyond the general principle of human brotherhood, a special relationship exists within a community of believers. Israel represented God’s spiritual community. The Jews were to regard one another as inseparably bonded; they were brothers of faith and soul. This concept continues into the New Testament where Christians are instructed to regard other believers as true “brothers and sisters,” related more closely because of the blood of Christ. Christians are kinsmen into eternity because we are part of a spiritual family.
While mistreatment of any human being is utterly wrong, neglect or disregard for those with whom we are bound by spirit is reprehensible. Paul wrote, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Gal. 6:10).
Some of our spiritual relatives are surrounded by the terrors and hardships of war, others are sold into slavery, and still more have barely enough to eat. Are we, by our lifestyle, among the oppressors? Are we trying to find ways to relieve our brothers’ burdens? Are we more concerned for our profits and comfort than we are for Christ’s children?
“Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5:24).[1]
Please Show Your Credentials
There has been an explosion of credential-granting organizations and specialties. It used to be rather easy—MD, PhD, RN, CPA. Now there are numerous letter combinations signifying some expertise. I came across a person’s name followed by, C-ACYFSW. I had no clue what this meant. I later learned it identified a “Certified Advanced Children, Youth, and Family Social Worker.”
When the new governor entered Jerusalem in 446 B.C., he wrote his name—Nehemiah, CB (cupbearer). Well, probably not. As cupbearer Nehemiah probably received quite an education in government and leadership just by observation at Susa. His most important credential, however, was strength of character. The poor of Judah and Jerusalem came to him to voice their complaints because they noticed a difference in Nehemiah, something that placed him apart from all their former governors and leaders. He displayed a genuine concern for the welfare of the people, and he conducted himself with integrity.
Unbending in his adherence to the laws of God and his moral standards, Nehemiah led not only by an expressed vision but also by example. He brought with him letters from King Artaxerxes, but more importantly he came bearing the favor of God.
Of course, education and specialized training can be useful in life and in service to Christ. But the more important issue is attitude of heart. Paul wrote:
Think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise … the weak things of the world to shame the strong … so that no one may boast before him (1 Cor. 1:26–27, 29).
Nehemiah had few personal ambitions. He certainly did not follow after the established and presumed methods of leadership. Rather than acquiring lands and privilege, Nehemiah served the people. Rather than seeking advantage, he sought service. Others worked hard for themselves, making business and political alliances and deals and accumulating powerful connections like a string of letters behind their name. Nehemiah was content with one credential—servant of God.[2]
Digging Deeper:
Personal Rights (5:14–18)
The idea of personal rights figures prominently in Western cultures. It forms some of the rationale for our democratic political system and our courts.
Throughout the Bible, however, we find a call to submit our rights to a higher good. As governor, Nehemiah had certain rights that came with his leadership position. Rather than insisting on what was his, or even assuming that he should follow tradition, he relinquished his rights for the welfare of the Jewish citizens.
Jesus challenged his followers to release their “rights” and replace them with generosity (Matt. 6). He was not establishing a new law that allowed abuse and timidity; rather, he was calling his followers to love and giving. Personal concerns were to be superseded by interest in others.
Paul followed this up in Romans 12 by instructing Christians to “not think of yourself more highly than you ought” but to “share with God’s people who are in need.… Live in harmony with one another.… Be willing to associate with people of low position.… Do not repay anyone evil for evil … as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Rom. 12:3, 13, 16–18). These injunctions are impossible if we cling to our rights. In fact, forgiveness, the very cornerstone of our faith, is impossible if we refuse to relinquish our rights for the good of others.[3]
Questions to Consider:
1. Compare and contrast Nehemiah 5; 1 Corinthians 9:3–15; and 1 Thessalonians 2:6–9. Are there limits to self-sacrifice? If so, explain.
2. Does Christ place on Christians the social responsibility of caring for the poor? Discuss your position, giving biblical support.
3. Was Nehemiah’s advocacy for interest-free loans a temporary measure? Or a permanent policy? What are possible ramifications of either position? Can you come to a biblical consensus about loans, debt, and interest charges?[4]
Prayer Time:
[1] Knute Larson and Kathy Dahlen, Holman Old Testament Commentary - Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, ed. Max Anders (Broadman & Holman Publishers., 2005), 188–189.
[2] Knute Larson and Kathy Dahlen, Holman Old Testament Commentary - Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, ed. Max Anders (Broadman & Holman Publishers., 2005), 186–187.
[3] Knute Larson and Kathy Dahlen, Holman Old Testament Commentary - Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, ed. Max Anders (Broadman & Holman Publishers., 2005), 189.
[4] Knute Larson and Kathy Dahlen, Holman Old Testament Commentary - Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, ed. Max Anders (Broadman & Holman Publishers., 2005), 190.