Nehemiah 5:5

We and our children are just like our countrymen and their children, yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters are already enslaved, but we are powerless to redeem them because our fields and vineyards belong to others."

Study Bible

We and our children are just like our countrymen and their children
This phrase highlights the shared identity and equality among the Israelites. Despite their common heritage and covenant relationship with God, social and economic disparities have arisen. The Israelites were meant to be a unified community, as seen in the laws given in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, which emphasize justice and care for one another. This situation reflects a failure to live out those principles, leading to internal strife.

yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery
The practice of debt slavery was a reality in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including Israel. According to the Mosaic Law, Israelites could become servants to pay off debts, but they were to be treated with dignity and released in the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:39-41). This situation in Nehemiah reveals a violation of these laws, as fellow Jews were exploiting their own people, contrary to God's commands for justice and mercy.

Some of our daughters are already enslaved
The mention of daughters specifically highlights the vulnerability of women in ancient societies. Daughters could be sold into servitude to settle debts, a practice that was supposed to be regulated by the law to prevent abuse (Exodus 21:7-11). This exploitation underscores the severity of the economic crisis and the moral decline among the Israelites, as they failed to protect the most vulnerable.

but we are powerless to redeem them
The inability to redeem their children indicates a loss of economic independence and a breach of the covenant community's responsibility to care for one another. Redemption was a key concept in Israelite law, symbolizing God's deliverance of His people from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 6:6). The lack of power to redeem reflects a spiritual and communal failure, as the people are not living according to God's redemptive purposes.

because our fields and vineyards belong to others
Ownership of land was central to Israelite identity and God's promises to Abraham (Genesis 12:7). The loss of land signifies a loss of inheritance and blessing. In the context of Nehemiah, this situation is a direct result of economic exploitation and injustice, which Nehemiah seeks to address. The land was meant to be a source of sustenance and stability, and its loss represents a significant threat to the community's future and faithfulness to God's covenant.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nehemiah
The central figure in the book, Nehemiah is a Jewish leader who is deeply concerned about the welfare of his people and the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls.

2. Jewish People
The community of Israelites who have returned from exile and are struggling with economic hardship and social injustice.

3. Jerusalem
The city where these events take place, significant as the spiritual and political center for the Jewish people.

4. Nobles and Officials
The wealthy and influential members of the Jewish community who are exploiting their fellow Israelites through usury and enslavement.

5. Slavery and Debt
The economic and social crisis faced by the Jewish people, where they are forced to sell their children into slavery due to overwhelming debt.

Teaching Points

Compassion and Justice
Nehemiah 5:5 highlights the need for compassion and justice within the community. Believers are called to care for one another and ensure that no one is oppressed or exploited.

Economic Integrity
The passage challenges us to examine our own economic practices and ensure they align with biblical principles of fairness and generosity.

Community Responsibility
The plight of the Israelites reminds us of our responsibility to support and uplift those in our community who are struggling, rather than taking advantage of their misfortune.

God's Heart for Freedom
The enslavement of children in this passage contrasts with God's desire for His people to live in freedom. We are reminded to advocate for the freedom and dignity of all individuals.

Repentance and Restoration
Nehemiah's response to this crisis later in the chapter calls for repentance and restoration, encouraging us to seek reconciliation and right relationships within our communities.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Nehemiah 5:5 reflect the broader social and economic issues faced by the Jewish community in Jerusalem? How can we relate this to modern-day issues of economic injustice?

2. In what ways does the treatment of debt and slavery in Nehemiah 5:5 connect with the laws given in Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy? How do these connections inform our understanding of biblical justice?

3. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our financial dealings reflect the principles of fairness and compassion found in Scripture?

4. How can we, as a church community, support those who are facing economic hardship and prevent exploitation within our own circles?

5. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced economic injustice. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in light of Nehemiah 5:5 and related scriptures?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 21:2-11
Discusses the laws regarding Hebrew slaves, providing a backdrop to the issue of slavery among the Israelites.

Leviticus 25:39-43
Offers guidance on how Israelites should treat their fellow countrymen who become poor and sell themselves into servitude, emphasizing compassion and fair treatment.

Deuteronomy 15:12-15
Commands the release of Hebrew slaves in the seventh year, highlighting God's desire for freedom and restoration.

Proverbs 22:7
States that the borrower is servant to the lender, illustrating the power dynamics at play in Nehemiah 5:5.