Some also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth.
Others said, 'We have had to use our lands, vineyards, and houses as collateral to borrow money so we could buy grain, because of the famine.'
The people are explaining that they've had to mortgage their property just to buy food during a time of severe shortage.
📚 Historical Context
During the time of Nehemiah, the Jewish people had returned from exile in Babylon and were working to rebuild Jerusalem under Persian rule. A severe famine, or dearth, caused widespread economic hardship, leading some to mortgage their lands, vineyards, and houses just to buy essential food like grain. This situation exposed social injustices within the community, which Nehemiah addressed as a leader seeking to protect the vulnerable.
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