Bricklayers 5Campione

The cry of the poor in Nehemiah 5 is not unlike the cries we hear in society today. People are hurting, struggling, and feeling hopeless. When we get to the end of our rope, when we’ve used up the very last of our resources, we cry. We may cry softly or we may cry so loud we can’t be ignored. That’s the case in Nehemiah 5. The outcry was extremely loud. Verse one references the cry of “the people and of their WIVES against their Jewish brothers.” When you get mommas crying out for their children and families, rest assured they will NOT be ignored. 

The exiles who had been allowed to return to Jerusalem had their hopes and dreams dashed. They were frustrated and afraid. In their times of difficulty, they turned to their “brothers”, fellow Jews, for assistance with taxes and debts. But the wealthy took advantage of the situation and placed even greater burdens on those already suffering greatly.

The issue of selfishness and greed had been addressed with the Jewish nation prior to being taken captive by Babylon. Apparently, they didn’t heed the warnings. (Jeremiah 22:13-19; Amos 2:6-7) God has harsh words (and actions) for those who exploit the poor and take advantage of the helpless.

How can we be sure our concerns and subsequent actions line up with God’s will? What guardrails do you have in place to prevent living a life of selfish indulgence that excludes or even worse, takes advantage of the poor?