Nehemiah 5

Getting the Family Right

Nehemiah 5

 The Context of the “Great Outcry”

1. The local farms were understaffed. 
2. Jewish creditors were taking advantage of the situation. 
3. Hostile neighbors were likely imposing sanctions against the Jews. 
4. Some Jews were leveraging their children.
5. The already disadvantaged were further being taken advantage of by the fellow Jews. 

 The Characters in the “Great Outcry” 

1. Those who simply needed food for their families. 
2. Those who needed food and mortgaged their property to be able to buy it.  
3. Those not making enough money to pay their taxes, who were risking property loss. 

 The Counter to the “Great Outcry”

1. Nehemiah first spoke to the leaders in the community.
2. Then Nehemiah gave a strong warning.

 Contrast to the cause of the “Great Outcry”

1. Nehemiah did not take a portion of the people's taxes. 
2. Nehemiah acquired no land during this time. 
3. Nehemiah’s servants worked just like everyone else.
4. Nehemiah wanted to be seen as generous and honoring to God. 

 Applications:

1. The global church has a mission.
2. The global church should respond to the “Great Outcry.”
3. Leaders should be held accountable.
4. Leaders should set an example.
5. Leaders should be concerned with what God thinks of them.