Nehemiah Chapter 5

In this chapter, Nehemiah confronts the people for exacting usury and told them that it is not good to charge their brethren interest. Since it was tough economically at that time, they ought to have had more understanding towards their brethren and not charge them interest when some of their daughters have been brought into slavery to work (V5).

Another reason they should not charge their brethren usury is out of ‘walk[ing] in the fear of our God to prevent the taunts of the nations our enemies’ (V9).

Today, we need to have more compassion, love and mercy on our brethren during hard times, all the more so because they are our brethren. We should do so also to fear and obey God, and to prevent being accused by the accuser.

Philippians 2:15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

1 John 3:17-18 17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

Nehemiah was also generous as he did not demand the governor’s provisions because the bondage was heavy on this people (V18).

Nehemiah showed understanding and mercy towards the people and did good for this people (V19).

We can learn from his generosity towards the brethren.

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