When God's People Take Advantage
Nehemiah 5
Mike Maglish

Part of Building TogetherA Study in Nehemiah

July 28, 2024

Now there arose a great outcry of the people and of their wives against their Jewish brothers. —Nehemiah 5:12 For there were those who said, “

—Nehemiah 5:2-5

1) The work was hard and they were hungry. (vs 2)
2) Food was expensive and supply was low. (vs 3)
3) They were borrowing money (from other Jews) to pay the King’s tax. (Vs 5)
4) Their children were indentured servants (Vs 5)

The GREATER THREAT to God’s plan is INTERNAL.

6 I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these words. —Nehemiah 5:6

Angry - Burning With Anger (Fire)

7 I took counsel with myself, and I brought charges against the nobles and the officials. I said to them, “You are exacting interest (100th), each from his brother.” And I held a great assembly against them 8 and said to them, “We, as far as we are able, have bought back our Jewish brothers who have been sold to the nations, but you even sell your brothers that they may be sold to us!” —Nehemiah 5:7-835

Leviticus 25:35-3612

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. 13 I also shook out the fold of my garment and said, “So may God shake out every man from his house and from his labor who does not keep this promise. So may he be shaken out and emptied.” And all the assembly said “Amen” and praised the Lord. And the people did as they had promised. —Nehemiah 5:12-13

The WORK can not be ACCOMPLISHED with UNNECESSARY BURDENS.

14 Moreover, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the king, twelve years, neither I nor my brothers ate the food allowance of the governor. —Nehemiah 5:1415 The former governors who were before me laid heavy burdens on the people and took from them for their daily ration forty shekels of silver. Even their servants lorded it over the people. But I did not do so, because of the fear of God. —Nehemiah 5:1542 For they are my servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt; they shall not be sold as slaves. 43 You shall not rule over him ruthlessly but shall fear your God. —Leviticus 25:42-43

It’s good to GIVE with NO INTENTION of being repaid.

16 I also persevered in the work on this wall, and we acquired no land, and all my servants were gathered there for the work. 17 Moreover, there were at my table 150 men, Jews and officials, besides those who came to us from the nations that were around us. 18 Now what was prepared at my expense for each day was one ox and six choice sheep and birds, and every ten days all kinds of wine in abundance. Yet for all this I did not demand the food allowance of the governor, because the service was too heavy on this people. 19 Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people. —Nehemiah 5:16-19

Godly leaders SACRIFICE for the GOOD of the GROUP.

Takeaway: Leadership can FREE people or BURDEN people