Topical Encyclopedia In the socio-economic landscape of ancient Israel, the concept of mortgaging houses is notably addressed in the book of Nehemiah. This practice is indicative of the financial distress experienced by some Israelites during the post-exilic period. The mortgaging of houses, along with fields and vineyards, is mentioned as a consequence of economic hardship and social injustice.Biblical Context The primary reference to houses being mortgaged is found in Nehemiah 5:3: "Others were saying, 'We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards, and our homes to get grain during the famine.'" . This verse highlights the dire circumstances faced by the Jewish community in Jerusalem during the rebuilding of the city walls under Nehemiah's leadership. The economic strain was exacerbated by a famine, compelling many to mortgage their properties to afford basic necessities. Historical and Cultural Background In ancient Israel, land ownership was deeply tied to family heritage and tribal identity, as outlined in the Mosaic Law. The land was considered a divine inheritance, and thus, the mortgaging or selling of land was a significant and often distressing action. The Law provided mechanisms such as the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:10-13) to prevent permanent loss of family land, emphasizing the restoration of property to its original owners. However, during Nehemiah's time, the socio-political conditions were challenging. The returnees from Babylonian exile faced opposition from surrounding peoples, economic instability, and internal strife. The mortgaging of houses and lands was a symptom of these broader issues, reflecting both the immediate need for survival and the breakdown of social equity. Social and Ethical Implications The mortgaging of houses in Nehemiah's account underscores the ethical concerns of justice and compassion within the community. Nehemiah 5:6-7 records Nehemiah's response: "When I heard their outcry and these complaints, I became extremely angry, and after serious thought, I rebuked the nobles and officials, saying, 'You are exacting usury from your own brothers!'" . Nehemiah's anger and subsequent actions highlight the moral obligation to care for the vulnerable and to uphold justice. The practice of charging interest and exploiting the poor was contrary to the teachings of the Torah, which commanded Israelites to lend to the needy without interest (Exodus 22:25; Deuteronomy 23:19-20). Nehemiah's reforms aimed to restore economic fairness and community solidarity, urging the wealthy to return the mortgaged properties and to cease their usurious practices (Nehemiah 5:10-12). Theological Reflections The issue of mortgaging houses in Nehemiah's narrative invites reflection on the broader biblical themes of stewardship, justice, and community responsibility. It serves as a reminder of the call to live in accordance with God's principles of equity and care for one's neighbor. The restoration of property and the forgiveness of debts resonate with the biblical vision of a just society, where resources are shared, and the dignity of every individual is upheld. In summary, the mortgaging of houses in the biblical text is a poignant illustration of the economic and ethical challenges faced by the post-exilic community. It calls believers to consider the implications of their economic practices and to strive for a society that reflects God's justice and compassion. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 5:3Some also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Yorkshire and the Settlement System. Ezra-Nehemiah The Day of Atonement Job's Sure Knowledge The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate, Resources Is it wrong to live in nice houses (Haggai 1:4)? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian go to a haunted house? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to worship the starry host or the host of the heavens (Zephaniah 1:5)? | GotQuestions.org Houses: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Houses in Cities, Built in Streets Houses of Brick or Clay: Easily Broken Through Houses of Brick or Clay: Often Swept Away by Torrents Houses of Brick or Clay: Plastered Houses of Criminals, Desolated Houses: (Building of) of Great Prosperity Houses: (Built and not Inhabited) of Calamity Houses: (Insecurity of) of Earthly Trust Houses: (On a Rock) the Hope of Saints Houses: (On Sand) the Delusive Hope of Hypocrites Houses: (To Inhabit Those, Built by Others) Abundant Feelings Houses: Accessible from the Outside Houses: Admission To, Gained by Knocking at the Door Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Ceiled and Painted Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Hung With Rich Tapestries Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Inlaid With Ivory Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Large and Airy Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Warmed With Fires Houses: Built of Hewn or Cut Stone Houses: Built of Stone and Wood Houses: Custom of Fastening Nails, in Walls of, Alluded To Houses: Deep and Solid Foundations Required For Houses: Desolation of, Threatened As a Punishment Houses: Divided Into Apartments Houses: Doors of, How Fastened Houses: Doors of, Low and Small for Safety Houses: Entered by a Gate or Door Houses: had often Detached Apartments for Secrecy and for Strangers Houses: had often Several Stories Houses: Law Respecting the Sale of Houses: Often Broken Down to Repair City Walls Before Sieges Houses: Often Built on City Walls Houses: Serpents often Lodged in Walls of Houses: Sometimes Built Without Foundation Houses: Street Windows of, High and Dangerous Houses: The Courts of, Large and Used As Apartments Houses: The Flat Roofs of had often Booths on Them Houses: The Flat Roofs of had often Idolatrous Altars on Them Houses: The Flat Roofs of Often Covered With Week Grass Houses: The Flat Roofs of Resorted to in Grief Houses: The Flat Roofs of Surrounded With Battlements Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Devotion Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Drying Flax Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Exercise Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Making Proclamations Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Secret Conference Houses: Upper Apartments of, the Best, and Used for Entertainments Houses: when Finished Were Usually Dedicated Related Terms |
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