Nehemiah 5:12
Then they said, “We will restore these and require nothing from them. We will do as you say.” And I called the priests and made them swear to do as they had promised.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "according to this promise" is literally translated from a Hebrew word that can also mean "this word." This shows that in ancient understanding, a spoken word, when given with commitment, carried the weight and solemnity of a legal promise. Nehemiah's act of calling the priests to administer an oath elevates this spoken agreement into a sacred vow, ensuring it wouldn't be forgotten.
Nehemiah has just confronted the wealthy leaders and officials for exploiting their own people, forcing them into debt and even seizing their land and children. In response to his righteous anger and powerful appeal, these leaders publicly agree to return what they took and to stop charging interest. To ensure they keep their word, Nehemiah calls the priests to administer a solemn oath, making them accountable before God and the community.
When Nehemiah heard the wealthy nobles agree to restore what they'd unjustly taken, he didn't stop at their word. Why was a simple 'yes' not enough?
Nehemiah understood that noble intentions can fade quickly. The nobles' initial response – "We will restore these and require nothing from them" – was a verbal promise, a good start but potentially fleeting.
The nobles promised to 'restore' and 'require nothing.' But what does that really mean, and what was Nehemiah truly aiming for?
The agreement in Nehemiah 5:12 was about far more than just returning physical goods. It was a profound act of social and spiritual restoration.
Understand the original words
kohen · Hebrew Noun
The priestly class in Israel, set apart by God to minister in the tabernacle or temple, offer sacrifices, and teach the law to the people. They serve as mediators between God and the congregation.
shaba · Hebrew Verb
To take an oath or swear by God, calling upon Him as witness to the truth or validity of a promise, covenant, or statement. It signifies a solemn commitment that carries divine judgment if broken.
This passage reveals Nehemiah's effective leadership in addressing severe social and economic injustice within the post-exilic Jewish community, demonstrating the power of confronting wrongdoing and securing public commitments through religious solemnity.
c. 457 BC
Ezra's Commission
King Artaxerxes I of Persia grants Ezra a commission to restore religious and civic order in Judah, leading a significant group of exiles back to Jerusalem.
c. 445 BC— this verse
Nehemiah's First Mission
Nehemiah, cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, receives permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild its walls, facing significant opposition from surrounding regions.
c. 445 BC
Economic Crisis in Jerusalem
During Nehemiah's leadership, the common people of Jerusalem are suffering greatly due to famine and are forced to borrow money and goods from the wealthy nobility, leading to debt and loss of property.
c. 445 BC
Nehemiah Confronts Usury
Nehemiah discovers the oppressive practices of the wealthy and calls a public assembly where he denounces their actions and demands restitution and the cessation of usury.
This passage establishes the principle against charging interest to a fellow Israelite, directly addressing the type of financial exploitation Nehemiah confronted.
Leviticus 25:39-43These verses detail the laws concerning Hebrew servants and the prohibition against treating them harshly or exploiting them, which is the core issue Nehemiah is rectifying.
Deuteronomy 15:7-11This passage commands generosity towards the poor and warns against hardening one's heart when a fellow Israelite is in need, echoing Nehemiah's call for his people to cease their oppressive practices.
Matthew 6:12Jesus teaches his disciples to pray for forgiveness of sins 'as we also have forgiven our debtors,' highlighting the importance of forgiveness and releasing debts as a spiritual principle.
Luke 6:34-36Jesus exhorts his followers to 'lend, expecting nothing in return,' and to 'love your enemies, do good, and lend, never despairing of any,' a radical call to generosity that mirrors the spirit of Nehemiah's reform.
pooleNehemiah 5:12: "Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise."
We will restore them, to wit, the lands and houses. Will require nothing of them, for the hundredth part. I called the priests; either, 1. As delinquents in that kind; or rather as witnesses, that the oath being taken before the priests, who acted in God’s name and stead, the oat…
cambridgeNehemiah 5:12: "Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise."
12 . Nehemiah’s audience comply with his request. ‘We will restore’ refers to the fields, vineyards, oliveyards and houses seized in default of payment or as pledges; ‘will require nothing’ refers to the usury, i.e. the interest already due upon the sums borrowed. as thou sayest…
The phrase "according to this promise" is literally translated from a Hebrew word that can also mean "this word." This shows that in ancient understanding, a spoken word, when given with commitment, carried the weight and solemnity of a legal promise. Nehemiah's act of calling the priests to administer an oath elevates this spoken agreement into a sacred vow, ensuring it wouldn't be forgotten.
Nehemiah has just confronted the wealthy leaders and officials for exploiting their own people, forcing them into debt and even seizing their land and children. In response to his righteous anger and powerful appeal, these leaders publicly agree to return what they took and to stop charging interest. To ensure they keep their word, Nehemiah calls the priests to administer a solemn oath, making them accountable before God and the community.
Nehemiah has just confronted the wealthy leaders and officials for exploiting their own people, forcing them into debt and even seizing their land and children. In response to his righteous anger and powerful appeal, these leaders publicly agree to return what they took and to stop charging interest. To ensure they keep their word, Nehemiah calls the priests to administer a solemn oath, making them accountable before God and the community.
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c. 445 BC
Nobles Swear to Repay
The wealthy Judean leaders publicly commit to restoring what they have taken and ceasing their usurious practices, sealing their promise with an oath administered by priests.
"Then they said, “We will restore these and require nothing from them. We will do as you say.” And I called the priests and made them swear to do as they had promised." — The phrase "according to this promise" is literally translated from a Hebrew word that can also mean "this word." This shows that in ancient understanding, a spoken word, when given with commitment,…
