Topical Bible: Conscience: Faithful of Nehemiah, in the Matter of Taxes

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In the biblical narrative, Nehemiah stands as a paragon of integrity and faithfulness, particularly in his handling of economic and social justice issues, including the matter of taxes. His actions are recorded in the Book of Nehemiah, which details his leadership during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. Nehemiah's conscientious approach to governance and his commitment to God's laws provide a compelling example of righteous leadership.

Context and Background

Nehemiah served as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia, a position of significant trust and influence. Upon hearing of the desolation of Jerusalem, Nehemiah was moved to seek the king's permission to return and oversee the reconstruction of the city. His leadership was marked by a deep sense of responsibility and accountability to God and his fellow Israelites.

The Issue of Taxes and Economic Oppression

During the rebuilding efforts, Nehemiah encountered a severe economic crisis among the people. The poorer Jews were being oppressed by their wealthier brethren through exorbitant interest rates and the seizure of property and children as collateral for unpaid debts. This situation was exacerbated by the heavy taxes imposed by the Persian Empire, which further burdened the people.

Nehemiah 5:1-5 describes the outcry of the people: "Now the men and their wives raised a great outcry against their fellow Jews. Some were saying, 'We and our sons and daughters are numerous; in order for us to eat and stay alive, we must get grain.' Others were saying, 'We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards, and our homes to get grain during the famine.' Still others were saying, 'We have had to borrow money to pay the king’s tax on our fields and vineyards.'"

Nehemiah's Response

Nehemiah's response to this crisis was swift and decisive. He was deeply troubled by the injustice and exploitation occurring among the people. Nehemiah 5:6-7 states, "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!' So I called together a large meeting to deal with them."

Nehemiah's actions were guided by a strong moral compass and a commitment to the teachings of the Mosaic Law, which prohibited usury among the Israelites (Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:35-37). He confronted the nobles and officials, urging them to cease their usurious practices and to restore the fields, vineyards, olive groves, and houses they had taken, along with the interest they had charged.

Restoration and Reform

The nobles and officials, convicted by Nehemiah's appeal to their conscience and the fear of God, agreed to his demands. Nehemiah 5:12-13 records their response: "'We will give it back,' they said. 'And we will not demand anything more from them. We will do as you say.' Then I summoned the priests and made the nobles and officials take an oath to do what they had promised."

Nehemiah's leadership not only addressed the immediate economic injustices but also set a precedent for ethical governance. His actions were rooted in a deep sense of accountability to God and a desire to uphold the covenantal laws that governed Israelite society.

Legacy of Nehemiah's Conscience

Nehemiah's faithful handling of the matter of taxes and economic oppression serves as a timeless example of conscientious leadership. His commitment to justice, equity, and the welfare of the community reflects a profound understanding of the biblical principles of stewardship and compassion. Nehemiah's legacy is a testament to the power of a conscience guided by faith and a steadfast dedication to God's commandments.

Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 5:15
But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable to the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yes, even their servants bore rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... are here displayed in biting words"alarming the conscience, and awfully ... I discourse
of, I mean as to matter of fact ... and yet am commanded to be faithful in my ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

A Discourse
... against the king?' (Acts 21:28; Nehemiah 2:19 ... their own guilt and clamours of conscience
against them ... the wilderness a sufficient succession of faithful men that ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

The Pharisee and the Publican
... under the load and burden of a guilty and disquieted conscience. ... That he turned aside
from the matter, which is the ... by these to gather up the taxes and customs ...
/.../bunyan/the pharisee and publican/the pharisee and the publican.htm

A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
... in 1688,"and in drawing a faithful portrait of ... the load and burden of a guilty and
disquieted conscience. ... That he turned aside from the matter, which is the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse upon the pharisee.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... as sovereign, found it irksome to pay the taxes levied upon ... the caldron the meat
offerings of the faithful after the ... And he said, How went the matter, my son? ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm