The Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 5:5

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren. We love our own flesh and blood, poor as we are, just as much as do our richer brethren; our children are as dear to us as theirs to them. The necessity which compels us to bring into bondage our sons and our daughters is therefore most grievous to us.

Some of our daughters are brought into bondage already. On the power of fathers to sell their daughters, see Exodus 21:7. Neither is it in our power to redeem them. Literally, "nor is aught in the power of our hands" (see Genesis 31:29).

We have no remedy; it is not in our power to effect any change.

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