Nehemiah 5:6

Nehemiah 5:6 records the strong emotional reaction of Nehemiah, the governor of Judah, upon hearing the desperate cries of his own people who were suffering severe economic oppression.

Context of Nehemiah 5:6

This verse is pivotal in the book of Nehemiah, marking a turning point from external threats to an internal crisis. While the people were diligently working to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, a grave injustice unfolded within the community. The poorer families, burdened by taxes and a recent famine, were forced to mortgage their fields, vineyards, and even sell their sons and daughters into slavery to repay debts to their wealthier Jewish brethren. Nehemiah, who had been focused on the physical restoration of the city, now confronts a moral and social breakdown among his own people. His anger is a direct response to the specific grievances detailed in Nehemiah 5:1-5, highlighting the severe plight of the oppressed.

Key Themes and Messages

• Righteous Indignation: Nehemiah's anger was not a sinful outburst but a profound, righteous indignation against injustice. It stemmed from a deep concern for the welfare of God's people and a clear understanding of God's law regarding the treatment of the poor (Exodus 22:25, Leviticus 25:36-37). This kind of anger is a valid, even necessary, response to sin and oppression.
• Social Justice and Economic Fairness: The passage powerfully illustrates the importance of social justice within a community of faith. The exploitation of the vulnerable, especially by those who should be their brothers, is depicted as a serious offense in God's eyes. Nehemiah's reaction underscores a biblical principle that true worship and community involve caring for the marginalized.
• Compassionate Leadership: Nehemiah embodies a leader who listens to the cries of his people and responds with decisive action. His anger is quickly channeled into a plan to address the injustice, demonstrating that strong emotions can be a catalyst for positive change when guided by godly principles.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "very angry" is charah (חָרָה), which literally means "to burn" or "to be kindled." It conveys a strong, intense heat of emotion. In this context, it signifies a deep displeasure and indignation, rather than uncontrolled rage. It's the kind of anger that arises from a moral offense and often leads to decisive action, similar to how this word is used to describe God's anger against sin in other parts of the Old Testament.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 5:6 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today. It calls us to:

• Be Attuned to Injustice: Like Nehemiah, we should cultivate a sensitivity to the suffering and oppression around us, especially among the vulnerable.
• Embrace Righteous Anger: When confronted with clear injustice, particularly within the Christian community, a holy indignation is not only permissible but often necessary. This anger should motivate us to seek justice and advocate for the oppressed, rather than leading to sin or inaction.
• Act Decisively: Nehemiah's anger was a prelude to his bold confrontation of the nobles and rulers (Nehemiah 5:7). Our concern for justice should translate into tangible steps to alleviate suffering and promote righteousness in our spheres of influence.