As Nehemiah heard of this cruel oppression, his soul was filled with indignation. "I was very angry," he says, "when I heard their cry and these words." He saw that if he succeeded in breaking up the oppressive custom of exaction he must take a decided stand for justice. With characteristic energy and determination he went to work to bring relief to his brethren.

Nehemias blev fyldt af harme" da han hørte om denne grusomme undertrykkelse. Han siger: "Da jeg hørte deres klager og disse deres ord, blussede vreden heftigt op i mig." Han var klar over, at det var nødvendigt at forsvare retten med hård hånd, hvis han skulle komme dette onde til livs. Med sin karakteristiske energi og beslutsomhed gik han i gang med at hjælpe sine brødre.