Contradiction with Proverbs 22:7
This verse highlights that the borrower becomes servant to the lender, while Nehemiah 5:3 describes people in poverty due to famine, suggesting lenders' dominion is not always justified.
Proverbs 22:7: The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower [is] servant to the lender. [the lender: Heb. the man that lendeth]
Contradiction with Exodus 22:25
This verse instructs to not charge interest to the poor, while Nehemiah 5:3 shows a reality where the poor owe money and might face interest due to their borrowing.
Exodus 22:25: If thou lend money to [any of] my people [that is] poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 15:7-8
This passage encourages lending generously without ill will to the needy, but Nehemiah 5:3 narrates a scenario where the poor are burdened by debt.
Deuteronomy 15:7-8: If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother:
Contradiction with Leviticus 25:35-37
This section advises against profiting from the poor's misfortune, yet Nehemiah 5:3 reflects a situation in which the poor's borrowing seems detrimental.
Leviticus 25:35-37: And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: [yea, though he be] a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee. [fallen...: Heb. his hand faileth] [relieve: Heb. strengthen]
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:13
The verse condemns charging interest and gaining increase by taking a poor person’s pledge, whereas Nehemiah 5:3 reflects the struggle of taking financial pledges.
Ezekiel 18:13: Hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him. [blood: Heb. bloods]