Nehemiah 5:8
Arabic Simplified (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)
وَقُلْتُ لَهُمْ: «لَقَدِ افْتَدَينَا إخْوَتَنَا اليَهُودَ الَّذِينَ بَاعُوا أنْفُسَهُمْ لِلأُمَمِ الأُخْرَى عَلَى قَدْرِ طَاقَتِنَا. أمَّا الآنَ، فَأنْتُمْ أنْفُسُكُمْ تَبِيعُونَ إخْوَتَكُمْ. وَهَكَذَا نَجِدُ أنْفُسَنَا مُضطَرِّينَ إلَى شِرَائِهِمْ ثَانِيَةً.» فَسَكَتُوا وَلَمْ يَسْتَطِيعُوا الدِّفَاعَ عَنْ مَوقِفِهِمْ.
What Does This Mean?
Nehemiah is talking to some people who were treating others unfairly. He reminds them that they had already helped their fellow Jews who were sold to foreigners, and asks if they really want to sell their own people into slavery. They couldn't answer him.
Explained for Children
Imagine you helped a friend get out of a really tough situation, but then you see someone else wanting to put that same friend back into trouble. Nehemiah is like that friend who helped others and now is asking why others want to make them suffer again.
Historical Background
Nehemiah wrote this during the post-exilic period, around the 5th century BCE. He was a Jewish leader who returned from Babylon to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The audience was the Jews who returned to Jerusalem, dealing with economic hardships and injustice.
Living It Out Today
Imagine a group at work who helped another employee get a promotion and then tried to sabotage the same person. This verse reminds us to treat others fairly, especially those we've helped before, and to think about our actions' consequences.
Topics
justicefairnesscommunityslaveryforgivenesshumility
Related Verses
Leviticus 25:39-43Deuteronomy 15:12-15Luke 7:41-43James 2:1-7Ephesians 6:9
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main issue Nehemiah was addressing in Nehemiah 5:8?
Nehemiah was addressing unfair treatment and exploitation of fellow Jews by other Jews, particularly those who were selling their own people into slavery.
How can we apply Nehemiah 5:8 in our daily lives?
We can ensure we treat others fairly, especially those we have helped, and avoid exploiting or taking advantage of them. It also encourages us to be mindful of our actions' impacts on others.
What does Nehemiah's response to the unfair practices teach us about leadership?
Nehemiah's response highlights the importance of standing up for justice and fairness in leadership. He holds people accountable and reminds them of their responsibilities towards their community.
Why is the concept of redemption significant in this verse?
Redemption emphasizes the effort put into freeing fellow Jews from slavery. Nehemiah uses this to question the fairness of selling their own people again, highlighting the value of unity and justice within the community.