• Read Nehemiah 5.1-19

In this chapter, the threat moves from outside the camp to within the walls. Poverty was rampant among the Jews and was now exacerbated by Nehemiah taking people from their fields to work on the walls. As always, selfish people had stepped into the gap to help deal with the problem, but mainly to help themselves. In Leviticus 25.35-37¹⁾, God had condemned usury from being charged to fellow Israelites.

1. Decrying usury — Nehemiah 5.1-5
   1. What, do you suppose, was God's reasoning for this command?
2. Defending the position on usury — Nehemiah 5.6-9
   1. Why would this practice reflect a “fear of our God”?
   2. What does walking “in the fear of our God” look like?
   3. What are the implications of “because of the reproach of the nations”?
3. Demand and Response — Nehemiah 5.10-13
4. Demonstration from Leadership — Nehemiah 5.14-19
   1. From this text, what were Nehemiah's two motivations for his exemplary actions?
   2. Spend some time talking about the importance of “community” for the church. What are some of the things that will be done when people understand the importance of a “corporate testimony”?