(5:1-5) Anti-Semitism - Who were these that bitterly resented Jews? They were either (1) Jews who had become wealthy in exile and brought this wealth with them to Jerusalem or (2) descendants of Jews who had arrived almost a century earlier during the first return under Zerubbabel (Ezra 1-5) and had established lucrative businesses.

(5:7-9) Usery - Many of the returned exiles were suffering at the hands of some of their rich countrymen. These people would lend large sums of money; then, when the debtors missed a payment, they would take over their fields. Left with no means of income, the debtors would be forced to sell their children into slavery, a common practice of this time. Nehemiah was angry with these wealthy Jews who were taking advantage of their own people in order to enrich themselves. These practices violated the law set forth in Exodus 22:25

(5:9-11) Fairness To The Poor - God's concern for the poor is revealed in almost every book of the Bible. Here, Nehemiah insisted that fairness to the poor and oppressed was central to following God. The books of Moses clearly spelled out the Israelites responsibility to care for the poor (Exodus 22:22-27; Leviticus 25:35-37; Deuteronomy 14:28-29; 15:7-1). The way we help those in need ought to mirror God's love and concern.

(5:10) Profiting From Others Misfortune -  Nehemiah told the rich Jews to stop charging interest (usury") on their loans to their brothers and sisters who were in need. God never intended people to profit from the misfortunes of others. In contrast to the values of this world, God says that caring for one another is more important than personal gain. When a Christian brother or sister suffers, we all suffer (1 Corinthians 12:26). We should help God's people who are in need, not exploit them. The Jerusalem believers were praised for working together to eliminate poverty in their church (Acts 4:34-35). Remember, "He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack" (Proverbs 28:27). Make it a practice to help those in need around you.

(5:13) Shaking The Folds Of His Robe - This symbolic act was a curse. Nehemiah shook out the folds of his robe and pronounced that those who did not keep their promises would likewise be "shaken out, and emptied," losing all they had.

(5:14-15) A Change in Leadership - This comment by Nehemiah is a parenthetical statement, comparing his 12 years as governor with the unjust proceedings in the land before he arrived. The governor was appointed by the Persian king, not elected by the people.

(5:16) Leading By Example - Nehemiah led the entire construction project, but he also worked on the wall alongside the others. He was not a bureaucrat in a well-guarded office but a leader who got involved in the day-to-day work. Nehemiah did not use his position to lord it over his people. A good leader keeps in touch with the work to be done. Those who lead best lead by what they do as well as by what they say.

 Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the book of Nehemiah with Chapter 5 and we see Nehemiah defending the poor as usury is explained as some take advantage others in need to then take their land. In making application we see usury being used today. Title pawn loans, Pay day loans, Lotteries, etc. all are business that are arranged to to take advantage of those who cant manage their resources. The Lord does not approve of one taking advantage of others. The Lord would have us help our brother in need with the goal of restoring them. Not a hand out but a helping hand of restoration. A wise saying is give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, but teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime. How about you? Do you help your brother in need verses taking advantage of their weaknesses? Let us learn from our text today and the instruction of Nehemiah to avoid usury and restore our brothers, teaching them, helping them as Christ has helped us.