Nehemiah 5:1-18

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Nehemiah 5:7

Ye exact usury every one of his brother; which was against the plain and positive law of God, Deuteronomy 23:19,Deuteronomy 23:20; especially in this time of public calamity and dearth. I set a great assembly against them; I called a public congregation, both of the rulers and people, the greatest part whereof were free from this guilt, and therefore mere impartial judges of the matter, and represented it to them, that the offenders might be convinced, and reform this abuse; if not for fear of... read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Nehemiah 5:8

We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen: I, and my, brethren, and predecessors, have used our utmost interest and power, both with the kings of Persia, that our brethren might be redeemed from that bondage into which God had sold them for their sins; and with particular persons in Babylon and Persia, and the adjacent parts, whose bond-slaves the Jews were, and who would not part with them without a price, which we paid for them. Will ye even... read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Nehemiah 5:9

It is not good, i. e. it is a very bad and wicked thing; as this same phrase is used, Proverbs 16:29; Proverbs 17:26; Proverbs 18:5; Proverbs 19:2. A common figure, called meiosis, where more is understood than is expressed. Because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies; who are round about you, and observe all your actions, and will loath and reproach both you for such barbarous usage of your brethren, and religion for your sakes; which, if you have any love or respect either to God or to... read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Nehemiah 5:10

My brethren, to wit, in office; those who are employed with me in the government of this people. My servants; in my name, and for my use. Might exact of them money and corn, as a just recompence for our pains and care for the public good, to which we wholly devote ourselves, even to the neglect of all our private concerns. But I will not rigorously exact, but do freely remit my own right, which, in those circumstances, it is my duty to do; and therefore you also ought to do so, seeing I lay no... read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Nehemiah 5:11

Also the hundredth part of the money; also require not; which is to be supplied out of the next verse, where it is expressed in their answer to and grant of this desire. The hundredth part; which they required every month for the use of their monies or goods, according to the custom then used, and afterwards by the Romans. read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Nehemiah 5:12

We will restore them, to wit, the lands and houses. Will require nothing of them, for the hundredth part. I called the priests; either, 1. As delinquents in that kind; or rather as witnesses, that the oath being taken before the priests, who acted in God’s name and stead, the oath might make the more deep and durable impression upon their consciences. See Numbers 5:19; 1 Kings 1:8,1 Kings 1:31,1 Kings 1:32. Took an oath of them; not of the priests last mentioned, for it doth not appear that any... read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Nehemiah 5:13

I shook my lap, i.e. the lap or extreme parts of my garment, which I first folded together, and then shook it, and scattered it asunder. This was a form of swearing then in use. From his labour, i.e. from enjoying what he hath got by his labour. read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Nehemiah 5:14

Twelve years; not that he continued so long together at Jerusalem, of which see Nehemiah 2:6; but that he so long governed Jerusalem by himself when he was present, and in his absence by a deputy. I and my brethren; either my fellow officers, or they whom I left in my stead, who as they were to do any work, so might have required my rights. The bread of the governor, i.e. that allowance which by the laws of God and nations, and of the king of Persia, the governors might require for the... read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Nehemiah 5:15

The former governors; not Ezra, who was no governor, but only a priest sent to teach them, and to rectify church abuses; nor Zerubbabel; but others between him and Nehemiah, whom he forbears to name, because he designed not to disgrace any person, but only to reform the abuses. Beside forty shekels of silver; which they required of the people for every day to defray their other expenses. Their servants bare rule over the people, i.e. ruled them with rigour and cruelty; which fault of the... read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Nehemiah 5:16

In the work of this wall; overseeing, directing, and encouraging the workmen, which was my whole business; and this at my own cost. Neither bought we any land of our poor brethren, whose necessities gave me abundant opportunity of enriching myself with good bargains. But I durst not build my house upon other men’s ruins. read more

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