John Gill
INTRODUCTION TO Ezra 5 In this chapter is a complaint of the poor against the rich for oppression of them, Ne 5:1 for which Nehemiah being angry, reproved them, and made them promise, and swear to it, to make restitution, Ne 5:6 and set them an example himself, taking nothing of them during his twelve years' government, supporting himself and his at his own expenses, Ne 5:14.
John Gill
And there was a great cry of the people, and of their wives,.... Those of the poorer sort: against their brethren the Jews; the rich that oppressed them; and this cry or complaint was made to Nehemiah for redress.
Matthew Henry
How bravely Nehemiah, as a wise and faithful governor, stood upon his guard against the attacks of enemies abroad, we read in the foregoing chapter. Here we have him no less bold and active to redress grievances at home, and, having kept them from being destroyed by their enemies, to keep them from destroying one another. Here is, I. The complaint which the poor made to him of the great hardships...