By Pastor Barron Greenwalt, En-Joy Ministries
December 31, 2025

As we continue our series on biblical justice and its urgent application to today’s governmental corruption, I turn to one of my most cherished books in Scripture: Nehemiah. Having taught and preached through every chapter of this powerful narrative, I’m continually inspired by Nehemiah’s godly leadership in rebuilding not just Jerusalem’s walls, but its broken society. Today, let’s delve into Nehemiah’s tax reforms—a profound example of confronting economic injustice and restoring righteousness amid exploitation. In an era where federal waste and burdensome taxes echo ancient oppressions, Nehemiah’s story calls us to demand accountability and pursue reforms that honor God.

The Context: A Nation Crushed Under Heavy Burdens

Nehemiah, cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, returned to Jerusalem around 445 BC to find his people in distress. The walls lay in ruins, but the deeper crisis was economic: heavy taxation imposed by foreign rulers and even corrupt local governors. In Nehemiah 5:1-5, the people cried out: “We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards, and our homes to get grain because of the famine… We have borrowed money to pay the king’s tax on our fields and vineyards.” Families were selling their children into slavery to survive the debt cycle—a heartbreaking parallel to modern financial bondage.

This wasn’t mere hardship; it was systemic injustice. Wealthy nobles and officials exploited their kin, charging usury (interest on loans) forbidden by God’s law (Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:35-37). Nehemiah confronted this head-on: “You are exacting interest, each from his brother” (Nehemiah 5:7, ESV). He called an assembly, rebuked the oppressors, and demanded restitution: “Restore to them, this very day, their fields, their vineyards, their olive orchards, and their houses, and the percentage of money, grain, wine, and oil that you have been exacting from them” (Nehemiah 5:11).

Nehemiah’s Reforms: Bold Action Rooted in Faith

Nehemiah’s response was swift and multifaceted. He abolished usury, enforced debt forgiveness, and led by example—refusing the governor’s food allowance and not taxing the people further (Nehemiah 5:14-18). This wasn’t politics as usual; it was prophetic leadership. Drawing from God’s Laws, he invoked principles like the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25), where debts were canceled and land restored every 50 years to prevent perpetual poverty.

The result? Unity and revival. The people repented, pledged faithfulness, and Jerusalem flourished. Nehemiah’s reforms tied directly to spiritual renewal, as seen in chapters 8-10, where the Law was read publicly, leading to confession and covenant renewal. This holistic approach—economic justice fueling spiritual awakening—reminds us that true reform starts with fearing God over man.

Ties to Today’s Governmental Corruption

In 2025, Nehemiah’s cry against burdensome taxes resonates deeply. Reports from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) expose billions in improper payments, fraudulent programs, and waste—echoing the “king’s tax” that crushed ancient Israel. Families today mortgage futures to pay into a system riddled with inefficiency, where agencies like the IRS enforce complex codes that favor the elite while burdening the average citizen. Just as nobles exploited their brothers, modern corruption funnels taxpayer dollars to special interests without accountability.

Scripture warns against such systems: Proverbs 29:4 (ESV) states, “By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down.” Nehemiah modeled justice: our leaders often do the opposite. As Christians, we must not turn a blind eye. Ephesians 5:11 calls us to “expose the unfruitful works of darkness,” demanding reforms like simplifying taxes, abolishing wasteful agencies, and ensuring equitable burdens.

Our Responsibility: Courage to Fight and Restore

Nehemiah prayed, planned, and acted boldly (Nehemiah 2:20). We too must have courage—praying for wisdom (James 1:5), speaking truth to power, and supporting godly policies. Let’s fight to return our nation to biblical principles: honest weights (Proverbs 11:1), care for the vulnerable, and leadership that serves rather than exploits.

As 2 Chronicles 7:14 promises, national healing follows humility and repentance. Join me in this: Advocate for tax justice, hold politicians accountable, and live as lights in a dark world.

Heavenly Father, like Nehemiah, give us hearts for justice. Expose corruption, empower us to act, and restore our land to Your ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

What insights from Nehemiah stir you? Share below or reach out to En-Joy Ministries. Together, let’s rebuild in faith!

Blessings, Pastor Barron Greenwalt En-Joy Ministries