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The external threats were serious; this chapter reveals the existence of equally severe threats from within. Social and economic problems, exacerbated by the concerted effort to rebuild the wall, boiled to the surface. Common folk cried out against upper-class Jews (vv.2-5). Three complaints are enumerated: (1) hunger due to their large families, (2) debts incurred to avoid starvation, and (3) Persian taxes. As a result of these problems many resorted to selling their children into slavery to raise money and to have fewer mouths to feed.
Nehemiah’s angry reaction (vv.6-13) calls to mind the righteous anger Jesus displayed on several occasions. He immediately instigated a legal case (Heb. rîb̠) against the nobles and officials. The nature of the charge against them is not clear. The NIV translation, “You are exacting usury” (vv.7, 10), is possible, but the technical term for usury employed in the laws of the Pentateuch (nešek̠) is not used here. Possibly the wealthy Jews had demanded security for their loans in the form of land, thus depriving the borrower of its income. These Jews may not have violated the letter of the law, but they had transgressed its spirit. As covenantal partners, all Jews were considered equal in the sight of God, yet these practices perpetrated class distinctions. Since the ancient mindset equated material success with spiritual blessing, this was more than an economic problem; it was a religious problem.
The remainder of the chapter (vv.14-19) is a digression in which Nehemiah describes his manner of administration. This aside clearly dates from a later period (v.14) but is included here because it substantiates his method of dealing with the current problems. Nehemiah’s guiding motivations shine through; reverence for God (v.15) and concern for the welfare of the people (v.18). He integrated the two great commandments, love for God and neighbor.