Summary
Nehemiah hears a great cry from the Jews whose families have been sold into slavery due to extreme debt and land mortgages. He angrily rebukes the nobles and rulers who exact exorbitant loans and vows to redeem his brethren. At a large assembly he demands the restoration of lands, vineyards, olive‑yards, and houses, as well as the return of the hundredth part of money, corn, wine, and oil collected as interest. The nobles agree, and Nehemiah takes an oath with the priests to enforce the promise, threatening to shake those who break it. He recounts that since his appointment he has not taken food or wine from the governor, unlike previous officials, showing his commitment to God’s fear and to the people’s welfare. He continues to work on the wall, keeping his own table modest, and ends with a prayer that God will judge him favorably for his actions.