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Nehemiah Bravely Rebukes Selfishness
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The oppressors were wealthy people whose support he needed
in restoring the city. But Nehemiah sharply rebuked the nobles
and rulers, and he set before the people God’s requirements. He
reminded them of events during the reign of King Ahaz. Because of
their idolatry, God had delivered Judah into the hands of still more
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idolatrous Israel. The Israelites had seized women and children,
intending to keep them as slaves or sell them to the heathen. Because
of Judah’s sins, the Lord had not prevented this, but by the prophet
Oded He rebuked the victorious army: “You propose to force the
children of Judah and Jerusalem to be your male and female slaves;
but are you not also guilty before the Lord your God?”
2 Chronicles
28:10
.
When they heard these words, the armed men left the captives
and spoil before the assembly. Then the leading men of Ephraim
“took the captives, and from the spoil they clothed all who were
naked among them, dressed them and gave them sandals, gave them
food and drink, and anointed them; and they let all the feeble ones
ride on donkeys. So they brought them to their brethren at Jericho.”
Verse 15
.
Nehemiah and others had ransomed certain Jews who had been
sold to the heathen, and he now contrasted this course with the con-
duct of those who were enslaving their brethren to enrich themselves.
Nehemiah himself, carrying authority from the Persian king, might
have demanded large contributions for his personal benefit. But
instead he had given liberally to relieve the poor. He urged those
guilty of extortion to restore the lands of the poor and the interest on
money exacted from them, and to lend to them without security or
interest.
“We will restore it,” the rulers declared, “and will require nothing
from them; we will do as you say.” “And all the assembly said,
‘Amen!’ and praised the Lord. Then the people did according to this
promise.”
The Gospel Can Cure Modern Economic Injustice
This history teaches an important lesson. In this generation
wealth often comes by fraud. Many people are struggling with
poverty, compelled to work for small wages, unable to afford even