2. For there were that said, We, our sons and our daughters, are many: let us get grain, 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 grain, 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.