Nehemiah 5:4

Still more said, “We've had to borrow money on our fields and vineyards to pay the king's tax.

Free Bible Version

In The King James Version

There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king’s tribute, and that upon our lands and vineyards.

In Context

3Others added, “We've had to mortgage our fields, our vineyards, and our homes to buy food during the famine.”

5Even though we are the same people as our creditors and though our children are the same as their children, yet we going to have to turn our sons and daughters into slaves. In fact some of our daughters have already been enslaved, but we can't do anything about it, because our fields and our vineyards are now owned by others.”

Read all of Nehemiah 5

Cross References

Deuteronomy 28:47Because you did not serve the Lord your God with happiness and with a joyful attitude,

1 Kings 9:21who remained in the land—those whom the Israelites were unable to destroy completely—were conscripted by Solomon to work as forced laborers, as they continue to do to this day.

Ezra 4:20Powerful kings have ruled over Jerusalem and throughout the whole area west of the Euphrates, and they received tax, tribute, and fees.

Nehemiah 9:37The rich harvests of this land go to the kings you have placed over us because of our sins. They rule over our bodies and our cattle, doing whatever they want. We are suffering so much!”

Matthew Henry on Nehemiah 5:2-6

The Complaints of the Poor. ( b. c. 445.) 1 And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews. 2 For there were that said, We, our sons, and our daughters, are many: therefore we take up corn for them, that we may eat, and live. 3 Some also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth. 4 There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king's tribute, and that upon our lands and vineyards. 5… Read the whole commentary →

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