Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament, by Carl Friedrich Keil
and Franz Delitzsh, [1857-78], at sacred-texts.com Abolition of
Usury - Nehemiah's Unselfishness - Nehemiah 5 The events related
in this and the following chapter also occurred during the
building of the wall. Zealously as the rulers and richer members
of the community, following the example of Nehemiah, were
carrying on this great undertaking by all the means in their
power, the work could not fail to be a heavy burden to the
poorer classes, who found it very difficult to maintain their
families in these expensive times, especially since they were
still oppressed by wealthy usurers. Hence great discontent
arose, which soon vented itself in loud complaints. Those who
had no property demanded corn for the support of their numerous
families (Neh 5:2); others had been obliged to pledge their
fields and vineyards, some to procure corn for their hunger,
some to be able to pay the king's tribute; and these complained
that they must now give their sons