Welcome back to another NachDaily with Nechemiah chapter 5.

[May this segment be a merit for the aliyas neshamos of Raizel bas Moshe, Avraham Aharon ben Yisroel Yitzchok, and Refael ben Yehoshua Falek.]

The main theme in this chapter is that of wealthy Jews taking advantage of their poorer brothers. We get a real sense of Nechemia’s power and strength as a fearless leader. What’s even more remarkable is how the people actually listened to him.

Keep in mind that when the Jews returned to Eretz Yisrael at that time, although the king had provided them with a stipend, they were mostly still living in poverty. Much like the early settlers of Eretz Yisrael lived in horrible conditions to build up the land, many of the Jews in the times of Nechemiah had nothing as well.

There was a great outcry from the poorer common folk. They were being taken advantage of by their richer brothers who made them sell their fields and vineyards for food and security. There were times that they had to sell their children as indentured servants to the wealthier Jews just to have money for food.

When Nechemiah heard this he immediately became outraged. He went to the nobles, confronting and admonishing them.

“Are you actually taxing your brothers? We have taken our fellow Jews out of slavery – are you now enslaving them again? You need to have more fear of Heaven so that Hashem will help rebuild the walls of Yerushalayim!”

Nechemiah demanded that they give back all the money, land and debts that were owed to them. What’s even more remarkable is that all the people answered, “Amen,” accepting Nechemiah’s leadership and authority.

Nechemiah continued his speech in front of everyone. He told them that in all his years of being the leader, he was granted permission

and authority by the king but never took from the tax money or food although he could have easily done so.

The Malbim explains that one of the things which made Nechemiah a good leader is the way he looked out for the needs of the poor and did not excessively tax the rich. He was therefore well liked and respected by everyone.

Nechemiah ends by reiterating that he has only done this on behalf of Hashem for His people.

Stay tuned to the next episode of NachDaily. Thank you for listening and have a wonderful day.