Part 6 of 6 of the theme 'Lessons from Nehemiah‘ by Gijs van den Brink
Last time we talked about phase 4 in a community's renewal plan. Renewal evokes resistance. Resistance from without and often resistance from within. We discussed the former last time. But Nehemiah also faced resistance from within, which is much more painful and difficult. We read this in Neh.5:1-5.
| The people, including the women, complained loudly about some of their Jewish compatriots. ... Others said, 'We pledged our fields, vineyards and houses to buy grain now that there is famine.' Still others said, 'We had to pawn our fields and vineyards to pay taxes to the king.' And now that our fields and vineyards are owned by others, we have to sell our sons and daughters as slaves. ... But surely we are of the same flesh and blood as our peoples, surely our children are no less than theirs! |
The poor complain about the rich and the leaders. There are builders on the wall who have no food for their children. There are workers who have borrowed money with their land or house as collateral. They are afraid they won't be able to pay it back and then they will lose their homes. The city's recovery is stalled because of injustice in interrelationships. The rich take advantage of the position of their poor brothers.
What is Nehemiah going to do next? We read about it in Neh.5:6-11.
| I became furious when I heard their complaints and the facts presented. I thought to myself and decided to hold the leading citizens and administrators accountable. I reproached them for demanding interest from their fellow citizens. In a large meeting that I had called in view of their behavior, I said to them, "As far as it was possible for us, we bought back the Jewish commoners who had had to sell themselves to strangers. And now we even have to free peoples sold by you! They remained silent, not knowing what to say. I continued, "What you are doing is not good. Yet in all that you do, be in awe of our God, or you will incur the scorn of the hostile nations! |
Nehemiah is deeply moved in his heart when he hears of this injustice (vs.6) and he admonishes the rich (vs.7). He calls a large meeting and says, What you are doing is not right! (vs.9). Indeed, it is clear that the law of Moses forbids what is happening here (Lev.25:35-42). Nehemiah calls them to have reverence and awe for the will of God. For only then will they be a witness and a good example to the other nations (vs.9). We have received the same command from Jesus and the apostles (e.g. 1Petr.2:11-12). Nehemiah himself sets a good example, saying, I too and my brothers have borrowed money and grain ... we want to cancel this debt (vs.10). And then Nehemiah suggests today make up for the injustice and return the collateral and also remit the interest (vs.11).
And then all said, 'We will do what you say' (vs.12). "And all those present shouted, 'Amen,' and they praised the Lord, and everyone fulfilled his promise" (Neh.5:13).
What a rich book the Bible is. What a gold mine of wise advice we have in the person and actions of Nehemiah. What God did and blessed in Nehemiah's life, He can do in our lives and in our church as well.
See also:
Part 5 of the series 'Lessons from Nehemiah' ‘Stage 4: innovation evokes resistance'
Author: Gijs van den Brink
From: Study Bible Magazine
This is part 6 of 6 of the series "Lessons from Nehemiah” Some of which we will be posting online in the near future. We hope this will help you understand the Bible better!
