Nehemiah 5:5

Arabic Bible ERV 2009

وَنَحنُ نَشتَرِكُ فِي الدَّمِ وَاللَّحمِ مَعَ إخْوَتِنا الأغنِياءِ. وَأولادُنا مِنْ نَفسِ طِينَةِ أولادِهِمْ، غَيرَ أنَّنا نُوشِكُ عَلَى جَعلِ أبنائِنا وَبَناتِنا عَبِيداً لَهُمْ سَداداً لِدُيُونِنا. وَبَعضُ بَناتِنا مُستَعبَداتٌ فِعلاً، وَما بِيَدِنا مِنْ حِيلَةٍ. فَحُقُولُنا وَكُرُومُنا هِيَ الآنَ لِآخَرِينَ.»

What Does This Mean?

This verse is part of a plea from the poor in Nehemiah's community. They are saying that because of debt, they are forced to sell their family members into slavery, and they can't afford to buy them back because others now own their lands and vineyards. It highlights the desperation of a community facing economic hardship.

Explained for Children

Imagine if you and your friends had to sell your toys to buy food. You couldn't play anymore, and you couldn't buy the toys back because you didn't have any money left. That's kind of what's happening in this story, but with people's family members instead of toys.

Historical Background

Nehemiah was an important figure in the post-exilic period, around the 5th century BCE, working to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. This verse is part of a conversation between Nehemiah and the people he was helping to rebuild their city. The community faced significant economic challenges, and this verse illustrates the desperation of the poor.

Living It Out Today

Consider a modern scenario where a family is forced to sell their home to pay for medical bills. The family is left without a home and the means to buy it back, similar to the situation described in this verse. This can happen to anyone and highlights the importance of community support and justice.

Topics

• justice
• poverty
• family
• community
• economic hardship
• redemption

Related Verses

• Exodus 21:7
• Leviticus 25:47-55
• Isaiah 58:6-7
• Luke 4:18
• James 2:14-17

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main issue Nehemiah 5:5 addresses?

The main issue is economic injustice, where the poor are forced into slavery due to debt and lack of resources to redeem their family members.

How does this verse relate to modern economic issues?

This verse can be related to modern issues where people are forced to sell essential assets or go into debt to survive, highlighting the need for economic justice and community support.

What does this verse teach about community?

It teaches that communities should support each other, especially in times of need, to prevent situations where individuals or families are left without basic means of survival.

How does Nehemiah 5:5 fit into the broader narrative of Nehemiah?

This verse is part of Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem and its community, addressing internal issues that arise, such as economic disparity and the need for justice.