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 families. The context is the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah's leadership, where internal social and economic problems arise. The use of "others" implies that this is not an isolated complaint but part of a larger pattern of distress among the Jewish community.

We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards, and our homes
The act of mortgaging indicates a severe economic crisis. Fields, vineyards, and homes were essential for sustenance and livelihood in ancient Israel. Mortgaging these assets meant risking long-term security for immediate survival. This reflects the socio-economic structure of the time, where land ownership was crucial for maintaining one's family and social status. The Torah, particularly in Leviticus 25, outlines laws regarding land and debt, emphasizing the importance of land as a divine inheritance that should not be permanently lost.

to get grain during the famine
The famine mentioned here exacerbates the economic hardship, forcing people to take drastic measures. Famines were not uncommon in the ancient Near East and often resulted from drought, war, or poor harvests. Grain was a staple food, and its scarcity would have dire consequences. This situation echoes the story of Joseph in Genesis, where famine led to the centralization of resources in Egypt. Theologically, famines in the Bible often serve as a backdrop for testing faith and reliance on God, as seen in the stories of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17).

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.