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And I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these devarim.

Then I consulted my own thoughts, and I rebuked the Nobles [see 3:5], and the officials, and said unto them, Ye exact massa (usury, i.e., seizing what is pledged against debts, whether people, land, or property), every one from his brother. And I called a kehillah gedolah against them.

And I said unto them, We as far as we have ability have redeemed acheinu (bought back our brethren) the Yehudim, which were sold unto the Goyim; and will ye even sell your brethren? Or shall they be sold back unto us? Then they were speechless, and found nothing to answer.

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I was very angry when I heard (A)their outcry and these words. I took counsel with myself, and I brought charges against the nobles and the officials. I said to them, (B)“You are exacting interest, each from his brother.” And I held a great assembly against them and said to them, “We, as far as we are able, (C)have bought back our Jewish brothers who have been sold to the nations, but you even sell your brothers that they may be sold to us!” They were silent and could not find a word to say.

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