Nehemiah narrates another challenging issue he faced concerning the growing tension between the wealthy and the poorer Jews. Nehemiah 5:1-5 narrates how those Jews facing financial hardship borrowed money from the rich Jews to purchase food and pay their land taxes to the Persian government.
Captured by greed, the wealthy
exploited this situation by imposing exorbitant interest rates. When the poor
were unable to repay the loans, the wealthy seized their land as payment and,
in some cases, even took their children as slaves. The situation worsened when
a famine struck the land.
As the wall was being rebuilt,
the workers’ plight became increasingly dire. They were not just struggling to
earn a living, but the impoverished saw no escape. In their desperation, they
turned to Nehemiah for assistance, highlighting the severity of their situation
and the urgent need for his leadership.
When Nehemiah became aware of the
wealthy individuals’ unscrupulous behavior, he contemplated the issue before
confronting the nobles and rulers. They had devised a plan to sell Jews off as
slaves to foreigners, fully aware that Nehemiah intended for the state to buy
back these individuals. Invoking the fear of God, Nehemiah ordered the wealthy
to return any people or property they had unlawfully taken and to eliminate all
interest on loans.
Verses 14-19 beautifully
illustrate Nehemiah's selflessness. Throughout his twelve-year tenure as
governor, Nehemiah's leadership was marked by his refusal to claim benefits to
which he was entitled, a decision made to prevent adding burdens on the people.
His selflessness was further evident when he used his funds to provide meals
for his employees and guests, a gesture that continues to inspire leaders today
and should be admired by all.
Injustice and exploitation within
the fellowship should be dealt with. Besides confronting those who exploit and
take advantage of the disadvantage, a good leader will also value and practice selfless
leadership.
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