Neh 5 | MHM | STEP | The Complaints of the Poor This section tells how the poor people in Jerusalem cried out because they were being mistreated by their fellow Jews. Nehemiah, as the governor, listened to their complaints and looked for the truth. Hard times and hard hearts made life very difficult for the poor. It is important for leaders to help those in need and protect them from those who take advantage. v. 1 : The poor people raised a great outcry against their Jewish brothers. They were suffering and wanted Nehemiah to hear about their troubles . This shows that even among God’s people, there can be injustice, and it is right to speak up for those who are oppressed (Ecclesiastes 4:1 ).

‏ Nehemiah 5

The Complaints of the Poor

This section tells how the poor people in Jerusalem cried out because they were being mistreated by their fellow Jews. Nehemiah, as the governor, listened to their complaints and looked for the truth. Hard times and hard hearts made life very difficult for the poor. It is important for leaders to help those in need and protect them from those who take advantage.

v. 1: The poor people raised a great outcry against their Jewish brothers. They were suffering and wanted Nehemiah to hear about their troubles . This shows that even among God’s people, there can be injustice, and it is right to speak up for those who are oppressed (Ecclesiastes 4:1 ^a).

v. 2: Many families were struggling because they had many children to feed, but there was not enough food. They said, “We, our sons and our daughters, are many; therefore let us get grain, that we may eat and live” . Large families suffered most during the famine, and trusted God for daily food.

v. 3: Some people had to mortgage their fields, vineyards, and houses just to buy grain during the famine . The lack of rain and God's judgment for neglecting His house may have caused this hardship (Haggai 1:9-11 ^b).

v. 4: Others complained that they had to borrow money to pay the king’s heavy taxes. The tribute was high, especially for those with many children . Hard times made it even harder for the poor to meet these demands.

v. 5: The worst part was that some were forced to sell their children as slaves to pay their debts. They said, “Our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren…yet indeed we are forcing our sons and daughters to be slaves” . Their children were as precious as anyone else’s, and it hurt them deeply that they could not redeem them. This was especially sad because they were all Israelites and should have shown kindness to one another (Malachi 2:10; Job 31:15 ^c).

v. 6–13: Nehemiah listened to the complaints of the poor and began to investigate the truth. He cared deeply about the poor and wanted to help them. The Bible teaches us to be compassionate to those who suffer and to be angry at those who are cruel and greedy. God expects His people to show mercy, especially since they were once slaves themselves (Isaiah 58:6 ^d).

Grievances of the Poor Redressed

Nehemiah received the complaints of the poor even though he was very busy with rebuilding the wall. He did not ignore them or delay action but faced the problem directly. He understood that a strong city could not be safe if injustice was allowed inside its walls. Nehemiah shows how a good leader handles difficult situations with wisdom, courage, and care for the people.

v. 6: When Nehemiah heard about the oppression of the poor, he became very angry . It is right for leaders to be upset when they see injustice, because this anger can lead to action and help others see the seriousness of sin.

v. 7: Nehemiah controlled his anger and thought carefully before acting. He consulted with himself about what to say and do. Then he rebuked the nobles and rulers who were causing the trouble . Wise correction should always be given in a thoughtful and respectful way, even to people in high positions.

v. 8: He reminded them that they had worked hard to bring their people out of slavery in Babylon, and now their own countrymen were making others slaves again . This was clearly wrong. Those whom God has set free should not be put back into bondage by others (Galatians 5:1 ^e).

v. 9: Nehemiah told them that what they were doing was not good, and that they should walk in the fear of God . If they truly respected God, they would not treat their brothers this way. Believers should be careful not to give others a reason to speak badly about God’s people.

v. 10: Nehemiah set an example himself, not demanding interest or using his power for personal gain. He called on everyone to stop charging interest and to return what they had taken from the poor .

v. 11: He urged them to give back the fields, vineyards, olive groves, and houses they had taken, and to forgive the debts and interest. Nehemiah spoke kindly but firmly, asking them to do what was right .

v. 12: The nobles and rulers agreed to return what they had taken and not demand anything more. Nehemiah made them promise before the priests to keep their word .

v. 13: Nehemiah made the people take a public oath and added a curse for anyone who broke the promise, saying God would shake them out like an empty garment. All the people said, “Amen,” and praised the Lord. Best of all, they kept their word and did as they promised .

The Generosity of Nehemiah

In this section, Nehemiah shares how he led by example as governor. He did not use his position to take advantage of the people, but instead showed generosity and care for their difficulties. He hoped his actions would encourage future leaders and officials to be gentle and fair to those they served. Nehemiah’s attitude teaches us that true leaders think more about helping others than about what they can gain for themselves.

v. 14–15: Nehemiah explains that former governors had taken large allowances of food, wine, and money from the people, and even let their servants oppress them (Nehemiah 5:15 ^f). Nehemiah refused to act like them because he feared God. He knew those who truly respect God will not be greedy or cruel. He also understood that leaders are responsible for the actions of their servants.

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v. 16: Nehemiah did not use his position to buy land or get rich. Instead, he and his servants worked hard on the wall, setting a good example. He remembered that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35 ^g).

v. 17–18: Nehemiah used his own resources to feed many people. He often had 150 Jewish officials and visitors at his table, plus foreigners. He provided plenty of food and wine for them. He did not demand the governor’s allowance, because he saw that the people were already struggling (Nehemiah 5:17-18 ^h). He believed those in leadership should help others, not add to their burdens (1 Peter 4:9 ⁱ).

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v. 19: Nehemiah ends with a prayer: “Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people” (Nehemiah 5:19 ^j). He was not boasting or trying to earn God’s favor, but he trusted God to remember his service and reward him. Nehemiah did not look for praise from people, but trusted that God’s approval was enough (Psalm 40:5 ^k).