A great outcry. Aside from the external battles with their enemies, Nehemiah also fought also fought against serious internal issues.

The Jews already had great financial difficulties, and now as all were involved in the reconstruction of the walls, the crisis worsened.

The problem was visible because many took out loans at exorbitant rates to be able to buy food, and others to pay taxes imposed by the king. There were families in such great poverty and hunger that their children were being sold as slaves among their own people. The same crisis happens today the moment that profit and personal success is placed above moral and spiritual values of character, such as respect, honesty, and justice.