The fact that the oppressors were men of wealth, whose support was greatly needed in the work of restoring the city, did not for a moment influence Nehemiah. He sharply rebuked the nobles and rulers, and when he had gathered a great assembly of the people he set before them the requirements of God touching the case.

Nehemias tog ikke et øjeblik hensyn til, at undertrykkerne var rigmænd, og at han havde hårdt brug for deres støtte ved genopbygningen af byen. Han gik skarpt i rette med de store og forstanderne, og efter at have kaldt en stor folkeforsamling sammen gjorde han dem bekendt med, hvad Gud krævede i denne sag.