During a time of crisis and tension, God’s own people experience conflict with each other. How does Nehemiah resolve it, and why does his solution work?

Notes

Nehemiah 5:6-12,14,15,18 + Part 7 of the series “Nehemiah: Rise & Build"

Borrow money or buy grain at oppressive interest rates. Heavy takes. Debt slavery. These were destitute families, and their fellow Israelites were the ones oppressing them. That’s the conflict.

“When I heard their outcry and these charges, I was very angry. I pondered them in my mind and then accused the nobles and officials. I told them, ‘You are charging your own people interest! … What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God’” (Nehemiah 5:6,7,9)?

If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need. (Deuteronomy 15:7,8)

The wealthy and healthy were exploiting the poor and sick. Their conflict wasn’t just with their fellow Israelites, but with God.

“Remember me with favor, my God, for all I have done for this people” (Nehemiah 5:19).