Nehemiah 9:37

37 "¹Its abundant produce is for the kings Whom You have set over us because of our sins; They also rule over our bodies And over our cattle as they please, So we are in great distress.

Nehemiah 9:37 Meaning and Commentary

Nehemiah 9:37

And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast
set over us, because of our sins
Though a very fruitful land, and brought forth much, yet not for them, but for foreign kings, that had the sovereignty over them, and enacted much toll, tribute, and custom from them, which greatly lessened the profit of the earth to them:

also they have dominion over our bodies;
and could oblige them to work for them, and do any service they should command:

and over our cattle, at their pleasure;
to carry burdens for them, or ride post with them:

and we are in great distress;
being servants and tributaries to a foreign power.

Nehemiah 9:37 In-Context

35 "But they, in their own kingdom, With Your great goodness which You gave them, With the broad and rich land which You set before them, Did not serve You or turn from their evil deeds.

36 "Behold, we are slaves today, And as to the land which You gave to our fathers to eat of its fruit and its bounty, Behold, we are slaves in it.

37 "Its abundant produce is for the kings Whom You have set over us because of our sins; They also rule over our bodies And over our cattle as they please, So we are in great distress.

38 "Now because of all this We are making an agreement in writing; And on the sealed document are the names of our leaders, our Levites and our priests."

Cross References

• 1. Deuteronomy 28:33