Albert Barnes Commentary Nehemiah 5:8

"And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, that were sold unto the nations; and would ye even sell your brethren, and should they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found never a word." — Nehemiah 5:8 (ASV)

Nehemiah contrasts his own example with that of the rich Jews. He had spent money redeeming some countrymen from servitude among pagans; they were causing others to be sold into slavery among the Jews.