Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, also the hundredth part of the money, and of the corn, the wine, and the oil, that ye exact of them.
Please give back to them today their lands, vineyards, olive groves, and houses. Also return the interest you've been charging them on the money, grain, wine, and oil you've lent them.
Nehemiah is demanding that wealthy Jews immediately return the property they've taken from their poor neighbors and stop charging them interest on loans.
📚 Historical Context
During the time of Nehemiah, the Jewish people had returned from exile in Babylon and were focused on rebuilding Jerusalem's walls amid various challenges. Internal conflicts emerged as wealthy Jewish leaders were exploiting the poor by charging excessive interest on loans, which forced many to sell their lands, homes, and even themselves into slavery to survive economic hardships. Nehemiah, as a governor appointed by the Persian king, boldly confronted these nobles and demanded immediate restitution to restore justice and unity among the people.
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