OBLIGATIONS . Nehemiah 5:1-5 It is clear from this chapter that Nehemiah’s primary concern wasn’t the defense of Jerusalem and the building of the walls, but “the great distress and reproach” of the people. The chosen people of God didn’t realize, or at least didn’t grasp, what it means to belong to God. The condition of Jerusalem and the attitude of the people living there were no different from those of the pagan people around them. They were only living for themselves and were not even united among themselves.
The groups of returned exiles who came to Judah were being taken advantage of and even extorted. At that time, indentured slavery was legal. It was also legal to borrow money and make payments at agreed-upon times. But it was not right for the wealthy among God's people to charge high interest rates to their own "brethren" and make it impossible for people to meet their needs and pay their debts. So "there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews," who were taking advantage of the absentee laborers working on the wall, taking what they could while the breadwinners were giving free labor to the work of the Lord.
The law of God, given to govern social, economic, religious, and family life, was not being obeyed or practiced. The provisions of the law that were given to protect the interests and activities of the citizens were being ignored by many, and the result was that the Israelites were divided into cliques, which created resentments and dysfunction among the citizens.
Some Jews likely became wealthy in Babylon during the seventy years of exile, bringing their money with them to invest in land and businesses. Some were in a position to lend money and earn interest by holding mortgages on property the poorer, newer returnees were buying. There were also taxes to be paid to the foreign government that had conquered the land, and if a person didn't have the money to pay, the wealthy would loan money at excessive interest rates. The rich were becoming richer, and perhaps would pay someone to work on the wall in their place. All of that happening among "brother Jews" should not have been happening.
The love of money is a trait even unbelievers who practice it themselves do not expect to see in a child of God. People of wealth need to be very careful that "the love of money" does not claim their allegiance and their souls. Covetousness is a defiling sin that some believers regard as merely "good business." A covetous person will never be satisfied with what they have.
Covetousness and the evils associated with the love of money had led the wealthy to want to accumulate more wealth, while the poor were being driven into abject poverty. The moral force that guided Nehemiah, and his practical application of godly leadership, made his words highly effective among all the people. He refused to be a burden to the people in any way. They could not accuse him of taxing them to pay for his expertise, leadership, and hard work. He took care of himself and all who worked for him.
Jews had lived in the land of Judah for over one hundred years when Zerubbabel came from Babylon with 50,000 people to rebuild the temple. By the time Nehemiah arrived with a couple of thousand people, the earlier settlers would have been well established in business, property ownership, and finance. When the newcomers wanted to start farming or a business, they would have been somewhat at the mercy of those who came earlier and had claimed the area for themselves. Through the ages, immigrants have found that it takes hard work and perseverance to get started in a new country.
How careful we must be to ensure there is no discrimination among the Lord's people. Some may be poor and unable to change their circumstances because of location, health, and family responsibilities. Others may be successful because of opportunities for education, family connections, heritage, or other factors. The biblical principles that guide us clarify our responsibilities to one another. We are to "comfort the feeble-minded... support the weak... and be patient..." Inward attacks against the work of the Lord may be even more dangerous and effective than outward actions of open opposition.
I wonder why those who share a common faith would choose to take advantage rather than show grace. Perhaps they have forgotten the pit from which they came and that they, too, must do all in Jesus' name. All of the children of God come from diverse backgrounds. Some feel disenfranchised, for better or worse. As one in Christ together, "One body in the Lord..." Unity is essential, whether carrying the Book or using the Sword.
It is wrong to take advantage of a person when he is down. A helping hand or a cheerful smile is more effective than a frown. Taking a loss at present has eternal value in the end. To give without expecting to receive means we lend to our Lord. "Writing off" a brother's debt should be common in a family. What is not seen is eternal; bearing burdens is a privileged duty. "Count it all joy" when one is able to lift another's load. Perhaps that is one way we remember what we owe to our Gracious God.