THEOSISBeda Venerabilis
The community was zealous about constructing the city wall, yet this sacred endeavor was obstructed by a severe famine. This famine resulted not solely from a scarcity of crops but also from the avarice of the leaders, who imposed burdens on the populace that exceeded their capabilities. This scenario is unfortunately a daily reality among us. There are many in the people of God who strive to uphold God's commandments through their own resolve but find themselves hindered from achieving their intentions—not just by poverty and insufficient means, but also by the influences of others.
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These individuals, although appearing to be righteous, demand excessive contributions and place great emphasis on earthly matters upon those they purport to guide, offering nothing for their eternal salvation—no instruction, no model of virtuous living, nor any fervor for acts of devotion. It is as if we long for a modern-day Nehemiah, a true comforter from the Lord, to steer us from error, ignite in our hearts a passion for heavenly pursuits, and empower our hands to forsake earthly pleasures for the edification of Christ’s city.
Now, let us examine the situation closely. The lamentations of the beleaguered people arose for three primary reasons. Some, driven by their hunger, resorted to selling their own children to wealthier citizens in exchange for sustenance; others, wishing to spare their children, willingly offered their fields and homes for food. Conversely, there were those, steadfast against the sale of both children and property, who chose to borrow funds to meet their tax obligations to the king, mortgaging their fields and vineyards until the harvest returned, enabling them to repay their debts.