Nehemiah 5:3

Others were saying, "We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards, and our homes to get grain during the famine."

Study Bible

Others were saying
This phrase indicates a collective voice among the people, suggesting a widespread issue affecting many. The Hebrew root for "saying" (אָמַר, 'amar) often implies a declaration or a cry for help. In the context of Nehemiah, it reflects the communal distress and the urgent need for intervention. Historically, this period was marked by economic hardship, and the people's voices highlight the social injustices and the need for godly leadership to address these grievances.

We are mortgaging
The act of mortgaging here is significant, as it implies a desperate measure taken by the people to survive. The Hebrew word for "mortgaging" (עָרַב, 'arab) can also mean to pledge or to exchange. This reflects the dire economic conditions where families had to risk their inheritance and future security for immediate sustenance. It underscores the severity of the famine and the lack of resources, pushing people to the brink of losing their ancestral lands.

our fields, our vineyards, and our homes
These elements represent the livelihood and heritage of the Jewish people. Fields and vineyards were not only sources of food and income but also symbols of God's blessing and provision. The mention of "homes" adds a personal and familial dimension, indicating that the crisis affected the very fabric of daily life. In the biblical context, land was a divine gift, and losing it meant a loss of identity and stability. This highlights the gravity of the situation and the need for Nehemiah's leadership to restore justice and order.

to get grain
Grain was a staple food, essential for survival. The need to mortgage valuable assets for grain indicates extreme scarcity and famine. The Hebrew word for "grain" (דָּגָן, dagan) is often associated with God's provision and abundance. The irony here is that the people of God, living in the Promised Land, are struggling to obtain what should be plentiful. This situation calls for a reflection on the spiritual and social dynamics at play, urging a return to covenant faithfulness and communal support.

during the famine
Famine in the biblical narrative is often seen as a time of testing and a call to reliance on God. The Hebrew word for "famine" (רָעָב, ra'av) can also imply hunger or dearth. Historically, famines were not uncommon in the ancient Near East, often resulting from drought, war, or poor harvests. In this context, the famine serves as a backdrop for the social injustices being addressed by Nehemiah. It is a reminder of the vulnerability of human life and the need for compassionate leadership and community solidarity in times of crisis.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nehemiah
The central figure in the book, Nehemiah is a Jewish leader who is instrumental in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and addressing social injustices among the people.

2. The Jewish People
Specifically, those who are suffering economic hardship and are forced to mortgage their properties to survive the famine.

3. Jerusalem
The city where these events are taking place, which is in the process of being rebuilt after the Babylonian exile.

4. Famine
A severe shortage of food that exacerbates the economic struggles of the people, leading them to mortgage their properties.

5. Fields, Vineyards, and Homes
These represent the livelihood and heritage of the Jewish people, which they are forced to risk losing due to the economic crisis.

Teaching Points

Economic Justice and Compassion
The passage highlights the importance of addressing economic injustices within a community. As Christians, we are called to be aware of and respond to the needs of those who are struggling financially.

Stewardship and Trust in God
The mortgaging of fields and homes underscores the need for wise stewardship of resources. It also challenges believers to trust in God's provision, even in times of scarcity.

Community Support and Responsibility
The situation in Nehemiah 5:3 calls for a collective response to individual suffering. Christians are encouraged to support one another, ensuring that no one is left to face hardship alone.

The Role of Leadership in Addressing Injustice
Nehemiah's leadership in addressing these issues serves as a model for Christian leaders to confront and rectify injustices within their communities.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern-day examples of economic injustice, and how can Christians respond to them in light of Nehemiah 5:3?

2. How does the concept of stewardship apply to the situation described in Nehemiah 5:3, and what lessons can we learn about managing our own resources?

3. In what ways can the church today act as a support system for those experiencing financial hardship, similar to the early church in Acts 4?

4. How can Christian leaders today emulate Nehemiah's approach to addressing social and economic issues within their communities?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to trust God during a period of scarcity. How did that experience shape your faith and understanding of God's provision?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 25
Discusses the Year of Jubilee, where land is to be returned to its original owners, highlighting God's concern for economic justice and the restoration of property.

Proverbs 22:7
Speaks about the borrower being servant to the lender, which relates to the situation of the Jews mortgaging their properties.

Acts 4:32-35
Describes the early Christian community sharing possessions to ensure no one was in need, reflecting a similar concern for communal welfare.