Nehemiah 5:6 – “When I heard their outcry and these charges, I was very angry.”
Extended Explanation
In Nehemiah 5:6, Nehemiah, the governor of Jerusalem, expresses his emotional reaction to the injustice he hears about. The outcry came from the Jewish people who were being exploited by their own fellow Jews. Nehemiah’s response of anger is significant because it shows that he wasn’t indifferent or passive in the face of this injustice. He was deeply disturbed by the unfair treatment of the poor, who were being forced to mortgage their lands, homes, and even sell their children into slavery to pay off debts.
Nehemiah’s anger wasn’t the result of a personal slight; it was a righteous anger against sin and exploitation. His strong reaction reveals the seriousness of the situation and sets the stage for him to take action to correct the wrongs in the community. This verse serves as a reminder that there is a place for righteous anger when we see injustice, especially when it affects the vulnerable.
Historical Context
Nehemiah was tasked with rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after the Jewish people returned from exile in Babylon. However, rebuilding the city wasn’t the only challenge. The people were also facing severe economic hardship. Many had fallen into debt and were being exploited by wealthy Jews who charged high interest on loans and seized their land.
According to the Law of Moses, Israelites were forbidden from charging interest to one another (Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:35-37), yet this was exactly what was happening. Nehemiah, as both a political and spiritual leader, was outraged by this blatant disregard for God’s law and the suffering it caused. His anger was a catalyst for change, as he went on to address the issue and correct the injustices that were taking place.
Theological Implications
Nehemiah 5:6 reminds us that God cares deeply about justice and fairness, and He expects His people to reflect His character in their dealings with one another. Nehemiah’s anger was a reflection of God’s own heart toward injustice. Scripture frequently shows that God does not tolerate the exploitation of the poor and vulnerable, and His people are called to live by the same standards.
Righteous anger is an appropriate response to sin and injustice. Nehemiah’s anger wasn’t a sinful, uncontrolled reaction. Instead, it was rooted in his understanding of God’s law and his desire to see justice done. This kind of anger can lead to godly action, as it did with Nehemiah.
Literary Analysis
In this verse, the focus shifts from the complaints of the people to Nehemiah’s personal reaction. The phrase “I was very angry” is brief but powerful, emphasizing the intensity of Nehemiah’s emotional response. His anger contrasts with the indifference or selfishness of those who were exploiting their fellow Jews, highlighting his moral integrity as a leader.
This verse also marks a turning point in the narrative. Up until now, the people had been crying out about their suffering, but in Nehemiah 5:6, we see the introduction of a leader who takes their cries seriously and responds with passion. His emotional response drives the action that follows, where he confronts the wealthy and demands that they stop oppressing their brothers and sisters.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 22:25 – “If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not treat it like a business deal; charge no interest.”
- Proverbs 31:8-9 – “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
- Isaiah 1:17 – “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
- Mark 3:5 – Jesus looked around “in anger, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts” before healing a man on the Sabbath, showing that even Jesus displayed righteous anger when faced with injustice.
These references show that God’s people are called to stand up for justice and that anger at injustice is not only permissible but can be a godly response.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Nehemiah 5:6 is a reminder that it’s okay to feel anger in the face of injustice. When we see people being oppressed, exploited, or treated unfairly, we should feel righteous anger, just as Nehemiah did. This kind of anger isn’t about personal revenge or selfish feelings but about seeing things the way God sees them and being moved to act in accordance with His will.
However, it’s important that this anger leads to constructive action rather than destructive behavior. Nehemiah’s response to injustice was not merely emotional—he took deliberate steps to correct the wrongs and bring about justice. In the same way, Christians today are called to channel righteous anger into positive action that helps those who are suffering and restores justice.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Nehemiah’s anger reflects the heart of a loving God who cares deeply for His people and hates to see them mistreated. God is not indifferent to injustice. His love for us includes a desire for fairness, mercy, and justice to be lived out among His people. This verse shows that God’s love is not passive—it actively opposes evil and seeks to protect the vulnerable.
Throughout the Bible, God is portrayed as a defender of the weak and oppressed (Psalm 68:5, Proverbs 14:31). Nehemiah’s reaction is a reflection of God’s own heart for justice. His anger shows that God’s love includes a desire to correct wrongs and bring healing to broken systems.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus, like Nehemiah, expressed righteous anger when He saw injustice. In Mark 3:5, Jesus was angry with the Pharisees for their hardness of heart when they opposed His healing of a man on the Sabbath. In Matthew 21:12-13, He overturned the tables of the money changers in the temple, condemning them for turning a house of prayer into a “den of robbers.”
Just as Nehemiah’s anger was directed at those exploiting their fellow Jews, Jesus’ anger was directed at religious leaders who were more concerned with their own power and wealth than with the needs of the people. Jesus’ life and ministry were about setting people free from both spiritual and physical oppression. He came to bring justice, mercy, and healing, and He calls His followers to do the same.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do we respond when we see injustice or exploitation in our own communities? Do we feel the kind of righteous anger Nehemiah did?
- How can we channel righteous anger into constructive action that reflects God’s heart for justice?
- Are there ways in which we, knowingly or unknowingly, participate in systems that oppress or exploit others?
- How does Nehemiah’s example of leadership challenge us to be more courageous in confronting injustice in our world?
- How can we follow Jesus’ example of standing up for the oppressed and marginalized, both spiritually and practically?
Nehemiah 5:6 reminds us that as Christians, we are called to feel deeply when we see wrongs being committed and to take action to set things right. Like Nehemiah, we must be willing to stand up for justice and reflect God’s love for all people by defending those who are vulnerable and oppressed.