Nehemiah 5:1 - Exposition

A great cry . Compare Nehemiah 5:6 , where the "cry" is distinguished from the "words." The Oriental habit of shrill lamentation must be borne in mind it is always shrillest when the women have a part in it, as on this occasion. Their wives . Mothers, whose children had been sold into slavery, or who anticipated losing them in this sad way speedily ( Nehemiah 5:5 ). Their brethren the Jews . i.e. the richer Jews, who had adopted the practice of lending upon pledge.