Nehemiah 5:6

When I heard their outcry and these complaints, I became extremely angry,

Study Bible

When I heard
The phrase "When I heard" indicates Nehemiah's immediate response to the situation. The Hebrew root for "heard" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing but understanding and internalizing the message. In the context of leadership, this highlights Nehemiah's attentiveness and empathy. He was not distant or detached from the people's plight but was actively listening, a crucial trait for any leader. This reflects the Biblical principle of being quick to listen (James 1:19), emphasizing the importance of being receptive to the needs and cries of others.

their outcry
The term "outcry" comes from the Hebrew "זְעָקָה" (zeakah), which often denotes a cry for help in times of distress or injustice. This word is used in the Old Testament to describe the cries of the oppressed, such as the Israelites in Egypt (Exodus 3:7). The use of "outcry" here underscores the severity of the situation and the desperation of the people. It serves as a reminder of God's concern for justice and His call for His people to act justly and defend the oppressed (Micah 6:8).

and these charges
The phrase "and these charges" refers to the specific grievances brought against the nobles and officials. The Hebrew word for "charges" is "דִּבְרֵיהֶם" (divreihem), which can mean words, matters, or accusations. This indicates that the issues were not just emotional outbursts but had substantial claims that needed addressing. It highlights the importance of addressing both the emotional and factual aspects of any conflict, ensuring that justice is served based on truth and righteousness.

I was extremely angry
Nehemiah's reaction, "I was extremely angry," is significant. The Hebrew word for "angry" is "חָרָה" (charah), which conveys a burning or kindling of anger. This righteous anger reflects God's own response to injustice and exploitation. Nehemiah's anger was not a sinful loss of control but a passionate response to the violation of God's laws and the suffering of His people. It serves as a model for believers to be stirred to action by injustice, aligning with the Biblical call to "be angry and do not sin" (Ephesians 4:26). This righteous indignation should lead to constructive action, as Nehemiah's did, rather than destructive behavior.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nehemiah
The central figure in this passage, Nehemiah was a Jewish leader and cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes. He played a crucial role in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and reforming the community.

2. The Jewish People
The community in Jerusalem, who were facing economic oppression and exploitation by their own nobles and officials.

3. Jerusalem
The city where these events take place, significant as the center of Jewish worship and identity.

4. Nobles and Officials
The Jewish leaders who were exploiting their fellow Jews through usury and unjust practices.

5. Outcry
The complaints and grievances of the oppressed Jewish people, which reached Nehemiah and prompted his response.

Teaching Points

Righteous Anger
Nehemiah's anger was not sinful but righteous, as it was directed against injustice and exploitation. Believers should discern when anger is appropriate and ensure it aligns with God's principles.

Advocacy for the Oppressed
Nehemiah's response to the outcry teaches us the importance of standing up for those who are oppressed and taking action against injustice within our communities.

Leadership and Accountability
Nehemiah exemplifies godly leadership by holding the nobles and officials accountable. Leaders today should also ensure they are leading with integrity and justice.

Community Responsibility
The passage highlights the responsibility of the community to care for one another, especially the vulnerable. Christians are called to support and uplift each other.

Listening to the Outcry
Nehemiah's attentiveness to the people's grievances reminds us of the importance of listening to those who are suffering and responding with compassion and action.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Nehemiah's response to the outcry of the people, and how can we apply this in situations of injustice today?

2. How does Nehemiah 5:6 challenge us to examine our own reactions to injustice and exploitation in our communities?

3. In what ways does the Bible instruct us to handle anger, and how can we ensure our anger is righteous like Nehemiah's?

4. How can we, as a church or community, better support those who are oppressed or marginalized, following Nehemiah's example?

5. What other biblical examples of righteous anger can we find, and how do they inform our understanding of Nehemiah's actions in this passage?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 22:25
This verse prohibits charging interest to fellow Israelites, which connects to the issue of usury that Nehemiah addresses.

Proverbs 14:31
This verse speaks about oppressing the poor and honors God by showing kindness to the needy, which aligns with Nehemiah's anger towards the exploitation of the poor.

James 1:19-20
These verses discuss being slow to anger, which can be contrasted with Nehemiah's righteous anger, showing that anger can be justified when it aligns with God's justice.