1 And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Y’hudim (Judeans).
2 For there were that said, We, our sons, and our daughters, [are] many: therefore we take up corn [for them], that we may eat, and live.
3 [Some] also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the famine.
4 There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king’s tribute, [and that upon] our lands and vineyards.
5 Yet now our flesh [is] as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children: and, lo, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and [some] of our daughters are brought unto bondage [already]: neither [is it] in our power [to redeem them]; for other men have our lands and vineyards.
6 And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.
7 Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, You2f exact usury (interest paid for using money), every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them.
8 And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Y’hudim (Judeans), which were sold unto the heathen; and will you2f even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing [to answer].
11 Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, also the hundredth [part] of the money, and of the corn, the wine, and the oil, that you2f exact of them.
12 Then said they, We will restore [them], and will require nothing of them; so will we do as youi say. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise.