Poverty and Generosity

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Study

Ezra-Nehemiah

11

Poverty and Generosity Introduction In Nehemiah 4 we read about the opposition that Nehemiah and his fellow builders endured, opposition aimed at derailing the building project by means of intimidation and discouragement. In chapter 5 we learn about a further obstacle to the rebuilding project – one created by the community itself and therefore one which was much harder for Nehemiah to resolve. The problem arose from three related circumstances: First, the need to work on the building project meant that many in the community had to neglect their own economic activity; second, a failure of crops had created food shortages; third, the imperial government continued to levy taxes upon the community, taxes which created and increased a debt burden. But worst of all, this situation seems to have been exploited within the community by those who were wealthy. Land was taken in pledge for debts and inheritance placed at risk; children were forced into indentured labour; interest (the phrase one hundredth suggests an annual rate of 12%) was levied upon those in debt, further increasing their debt burden. How does Nehemiah respond to these obstacles and challenges? First, we read of his anger in the face of the lack of compassion for those in need (5vs8). Second, he confronts those guilty of exploitation and urges them to act with compassion rather than in self-interest (5vs7-13). Third, he waives his personal rights as governor to raise income from the people and shares his own allowances with others. Rather than lording it over those under his care he does everything in his power to serve them. In this behaviour we certainly see as anticipation of Jesus words in Mark 10vs4145. At the end of this study you should be able to answer the following key question:  In what way is Nehemiah’s conduct a challenge and an example to us? Read Nehemiah 5vs1-19

Observe: 1. The ‘outcry’ raised by the people against their fellow Jews 2. The three groupings in vs1-5 and the particular problem that each group faced

3. The severe nature of the predicament which the people faced 4. Nehemiah’s words to the nobles and officials 5. Nehemiah’s concern for the reputation of the LORD and his desire to act in the reverence to the LORD 6. Nehemiah’s waiving of his own rights and his generosity to the people

?Think: 1. What problems did the famine cause for the people? (vs1-3)

2. What added to the burden of those who owned land? (vs 4)

3. What were the people forced to do in order to deal with their financial difficulties? (vs3-5) In what way did this undermine their position? In what way did it bring dishonour to the LORD?

4. How did Nehemiah respond to this crisis? Why did he act in this way

! Understand / Apply 1. What answer can you give to our key question?