Nehemiah 5:14-19

Good and Bad Governors

14 Furthermore, from the day King Artaxerxes appointed me to be their governor in the land of Judah-from the twentieth year until his thirty-second year, 12 years-I and my associates never ate from the food allotted to the governor.
15 The governors who preceded me had heavily burdened the people, taking food and wine from them, as well as a pound[a] of silver. Their subordinates also oppressed the people, but I didn't do this, because of the fear of God.
16 Instead, I devoted myself to the construction of the wall, and all my subordinates were gathered there for the work. We didn't buy any land.
17 There were 150 Jews and officials, as well as guests from the surrounding nations at my table.
18 Each[b] day, one ox, six choice sheep, and some fowl were prepared for me. An abundance of all kinds of wine was [provided] every 10 days. But I didn't demand the food allotted to the governor, because the burden on the people was so heavy.
19 Remember me favorably, my God, for all that I have done for this people.

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. Lit 40 shekels
  • [b]. Lit And that which was prepared each
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