It does not seem that the events narrated here occurred during the two months when the wall was rebuilt; however, they are recounted here, nonetheless. This suggests that some wealthier Jews took advantage of the opportunity to oppress their fellow countrymen. This attitude posed a serious question for the community: it would be of little use to build a wall around Jerusalem to protect it from its enemies if exploitation and social injustice prevailed within. Nehemiah confronts the problem, relying on Israel’s legislation regarding social justice (Lv 24:39-43 and Dt 15:1-11) and on the cry of some prophets (Is 58:6, 7, 12). Jeremiah had already proclaimed the liberation of slaves as a condition for obtaining divine protection (Jr 34:8-22).