1 Then there arose a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews.
2 For there were that said, We, our sons and our daughters, are many: let us get corn, that we may eat and live.
3 Some also there were that said, We are mortgaging our fields, and our vineyards, and our houses: let us get corn, because of the dearth.
4 There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king's tribute upon our fields and our vineyards.
5 Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children: and, lo, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and some of our daughters are brought into bondage already: neither is it in our power to help it; for other men have our fields and our vineyards.
6 And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.
7 Then I consulted with myself, and contended with the nobles and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I held a great assembly against them.