Charging Interest Abolished

Now there was a great outcry of the people and of their wives against their Jewish brothers.

So I thought it over and contended with the nobles and the leading people, and said to them, “You are lending at interest, each to his brother!” Therefore, I held a great assembly against them.

And likewise I, my brothers, and my servants are lending them money and grain. Please, let’s do without this interest.

Please, give back to them this very day their fields, their vineyards, their olive groves, and their houses, as well as the hundredth part of the money and of the grain, the new wine, and the oil that you are charging as interest from them.”