John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 3. Some also there were that said, we have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses , etc.] Made them over to others, put them into their hands as pledges for money received of them: that we may buy corn ; for the support of their families: because of the dearth ; or famine; which might be occasioned by their enemies lying in wait and intercepting all provisions that might be brought to them; for this seems not to be the famine spoken of in ( Haggai 1:10,11) for that was some years before this, and for a reason which now was not.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-5 - Men prey upon their fellow-creatures: by despising the poor the reproach their Maker. Such conduct is a disgrace to any, but who can sufficiently abhor it when adopted by professing Christians? With compassion for the oppressed, we should lament the hardships which man in the world are groaning under; putting our souls into their souls stead, and remembering in our prayers and succours those who ar burdened. But let those who show no mercy, expect judgment withou mercy.
Original Hebrew וישׁ3426 אשׁר834 אמרים559 שׂדתינו7704 וכרמינו3754 ובתינו1004 אנחנו587 ערבים6148 ונקחה3947 דגן1715 ברעב׃7458
