Nehemiah 5:1-3

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

5 Now there arose a great cry of the [poor] people and of their wives [driven to borrowing] against their Jewish brethren [the few who could afford to lend].

² For some said, We, our sons and daughters, are many; therefore allow us to take grain, that we may eat and live! If we are not given grain, let us take it!

³ Also some said, We are mortgaging our lands, vineyards, and houses to buy grain because of the scarcity.