Nehemiah 5:3
Some also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth.
Cross-references
Nehemiah 5:11
Parallel
In Nehemiah 5:11, Nehemiah directly addresses this same problem, commanding the nobles to restore the fields, vineyards, and houses mentioned here.
Genesis 47:15–25
Parallel
Genesis 47:15-25 records Egyptians selling their land for grain during famine, directly paralleling the mortgaging in Nehemiah 5:3.
Leviticus 25:35–39
Contrast
In Leviticus 25:35-39, these laws forbid charging interest and command redeeming land — the very principles the nobles are violating here.
Genesis 47:19
Parallel
In Genesis 47:19, the Egyptians sell their land and themselves for food during famine — a parallel situation where desperate poverty leads to land forfeiture.
Deuteronomy 15:7
Contrast
In Deuteronomy 15:7, Israel is commanded not to harden their hearts against a poor brother — exactly the heartlessness the nobles show here.