Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Nehemiah 5:1-19
The greed of the rich (5:1-19)Another problem that Nehemiah dealt with was the tension that had developed over the years between the rich and the poor. Those in financial difficulty borrowed money from the rich to buy food and pay their land taxes to the Persian government. The rich took advantage of them by charging heavy interest. Then, when the poor could not pay, the rich took their land from them in payment, and in some cases took their children as slaves. Troubles increased when a famine... read more
Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Nehemiah 5:16
Nehemiah 5:16. Yea, also I continued in the work Overseeing, directing, and encouraging the workmen, which was my whole business; and this at my own cost. Neither bought we any land Of our poor brethren, whose necessities gave abundant opportunities of enriching myself by good bargains. And all my servants were gathered unto the work They also were constantly employed in the same work, and received no pay for their labour, though they could not be so employed without the neglect of my... read more