1. NOW THERE arose a great cry of the [poor] people and of their wives [driven to borrowing] against their Jewish brethren [the few who could afford to lend].
2. For some said, We, our sons and daughters, are many; therefore allow us to take grain, that we may eat and live! If we are not given grain, let us take it!
3. Also some said, We are mortgaging our lands, vineyards, and houses to buy grain because of the scarcity.
4. Others said, We have borrowed money on our fields and vineyards to pay the [Persian] king's heavy tax.