Nehemiah had previously mentioned both the nobles
and the officials
in Nehemiah 2:16 (see also Nehemiah 4:8, Nehemiah 4:13). These are men of standing and influence in the community, be it because of their economic success, their appointment to a governmental position, or, in some cases, both. These persons are the Jewish brothers
mentioned in Nehemiah 5:1, who used their clout to take advantage of the weak in their midst. We may picture Nehemiah stepping into their meeting and chiding them.
7 I took counsel with myself, and I brought charges against the nobles and the officials. I said to them, “You are exacting interest, each from his brother.” And I held a great assembly against them