Nehemiah 5:18

18 Now that which was prepared for one day was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and every ten days skins of wine in abundance; yet with all this I did not demand the food allowance of the governor, because of the heavy burden of labor on the people.

Nehemiah 5:18 Meaning and Commentary

Nehemiah 5:18

Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six
choice sheep
Or fat ones; of beef and mutton a considerable quantity, abundantly sufficient for his guests and servants, and shows what a good table he kept:

also fowls were prepared for me;
what number is not said:

and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine;
the country afforded; that is, either once in ten days his stock of wine was renewed, or a more liberal entertainment was made, a banquet of wine, ( Esther 5:6 ) ,

yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor;
the salary that used to be given him, but did this at his own expense, out of his own estate in Judea; or what he had got by his office as cupbearer to the king of Persia, the salary of which perhaps was continued:

because the bondage was heavy upon the people;
the tribute of the king of Persia, and their labour and expense in building the walls of the city.

Nehemiah 5:18 In-Context

16 Indeed, I devoted myself to the work on this wall, and acquired no land; and all my servants were gathered there for the work.
17 Moreover there were at my table one hundred fifty people, Jews and officials, besides those who came to us from the nations around us.
18 Now that which was prepared for one day was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and every ten days skins of wine in abundance; yet with all this I did not demand the food allowance of the governor, because of the heavy burden of labor on the people.
19 Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.