Definition: And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing [to answer].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 5:8. It’s a really important message about responsibility and protecting people. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Nehemiah was rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He was trying to restore order and security to the city after a period of chaos. Jewish people were being sold into slavery by the Babylonians (a powerful empire at the time). They were taken away from their homes and forced to work for the Babylonians, essentially becoming slaves. What Nehemiah Said: “We after our ability have redeemed our brethren…” This means Nehemiah’s people, who were rebuilding the walls, had the resources and power to rescue these Jewish people from this difficult situation. “…the Jews which were sold unto the heathen.” This is the key part. He's talking about Jewish men, women, and children who were being taken away from their families and communities. Then He Said… “And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren…” This is a crucial point – he declared that his people would take action to help these people. “…even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us?” This is where it gets really serious. He was asking if the Jewish people were allowed to betray each other and hand them over to the Babylonians? It’s a huge question about loyalty and trust. What Happened Next: “Then held they their peace, and found nothing [to answer].” This is the most important part. The people kept quiet . They didn't argue, didn't challenge him, and didn’t try to get a response from him. They simply… held their peace. What It Means – A Bigger Picture: This verse speaks to several key themes: Responsibility: Nehemiah was responsible for his people, and he recognized that he had the power to help those in need. Loyalty & Trust: It highlights the importance of loyalty to one's community and trusting in those around you. It’s a reminder that we should always stand up for what’s right, even when it seems difficult. The Power of Silence: The silence of the people is powerful. It shows that when people are united and trust each other, they have strength to resist wrongdoing. In short, Nehemiah was showing his people that he would act to protect those who were being taken advantage of, and their quiet obedience demonstrated the strength of their commitment. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect it to a specific story or event in Bible history? Discuss the context of the time period when this happened?