A great cry. Compare Nehemiah 5:6, where the "cry" is distinguished from the "words." The Oriental habit of shrill lamentation must be borne in mind it is always shrillest when the women have a part in it, as on this occasion.
Their wives. Mothers, whose children had been sold into slavery, or who anticipated losing them in this sad way speedily (Nehemiah 5:5). Their brethren the Jews. i.e. the richer Jews, who had adopted the practice of lending upon pledge.