Definition: [Some] also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 5:3. It’s a really important story about how things went wrong in a city and what led to it. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Situation: Dearth (Lack): The city of Jerusalem was experiencing a severe shortage of food – specifically, corn (a staple crop). It was like there wasn’t enough food for everyone. Mortgaging Lands & Homes: People in the city were borrowing money to buy more corn. They borrowed from lenders and used their land and houses as collateral (something they could lose if they couldn't repay the loan). What Happened Next: “Some” Said It: A group of people within the city said, “We’ve mortgaged our lands and homes!” This means they had borrowed money to buy corn. The Problem: Because there wasn’t enough food, this borrowing led to a really bad situation. The land and houses were essentially lost – they weren't worth much anymore because they weren't used for producing food. In short, the verse describes a situation where people borrowed money to buy food, but that led to losing their property. What it’s teaching us: This story is a reminder of a serious problem: borrowing without proper planning and considering the consequences can have devastating results. It also shows how important it is to be responsible with our finances. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you more context about Nehemiah’s situation? Talk about the broader themes of this story (like responsibility, honesty, and consequences)?