Nehemiah 5:6
And I was very angry, when I heard their crie, and these words. Nehemiah 5:6 (KJV)
“Then I was very angry, and I pondered in my mind the thing that they said.” “When I heard the outcry of the people, I was deeply troubled.”
Historical Background: Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes I when he heard about the distress of the people of Jerusalem and the ruined state of the city’s walls. With the king’s permission, Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls and restore the city’s strength. Nehemiah faced various challenges during this process, including opposition from neighboring enemies and internal issues among the Jewish people.
Context of Nehemiah 5: In Nehemiah 5 we find Nehemiah addressing an internal problem within the Jewish community. The people were experiencing economic hardships, and some of the wealthy Jews were taking advantage of their situation by lending money to them with exorbitant interest rates. As a result, many people were forced to mortgage their lands, vineyards, and houses to repay their debts. This situation caused great distress and outcry among the people.
Nehemiah’s Reaction: When Nehemiah heard about the cry of the people and the oppressive practices of the wealthy Jews, he was filled with anger. His anger was not a personal anger but a righteous anger that reflected his concern for the welfare of the people and the reputation of God’s name. Nehemiah’s anger stemmed from a deep sense of justice and his commitment to the well‑being of the community.
Lessons from Nehemiah’s Anger:
Righteous Anger: Nehemiah’s anger was not driven by personal offense or selfish motives but by a genuine concern for justice and compassion. It is important to differentiate between righteous anger, which is justified in the face of injustice and ungodliness, and sinful anger, which stems from selfishness or personal grievances.
Caring for Others: Nehemiah’s anger was an expression of his love and care for the people. It reminds us of the importance of looking out for the needs of others and taking action when we see injustice or oppression.
Advocating for Change: Nehemiah’s anger moved him to take immediate action to address the problem. As followers of God, we should be willing to stand up against injustice and work towards positive change in our communities.
Nehemiah’s response was prompt; he confronted the nobles and officials who were exploiting the people, and he later sought God’s guidance and wisdom to address the issue effectively. Nehemiah’s anger did not lead him to hasty or impulsive actions. Instead, he carefully considered the situation before acting. It is crucial for us to seek God’s guidance and rely on His wisdom when we confront challenging situations.
Application: The passage encourages us to be aware of the needs and struggles of those around us. It reminds us that as followers of God, we are called to stand against injustice and oppression. When we see such situations, we should be moved to righteous anger and take action to bring about positive change. Additionally, Nehemiah’s example teaches us the importance of seeking God’s guidance and relying on His wisdom in our efforts to address social issues.
Remember, the Bible is a rich source of wisdom, and further study and reflection on Nehemiah’s story and the surrounding chapters will provide deeper insights into the lessons and principles found within this passage.
