Nehemiah 5:14-19

Nehemiah’s Generosity

14 Furthermore, from the day King Artaxerxes appointed me to be their governor in the land of Judah, from his twentieth year until his thirty-second year (twelve years total), neither I nor my brothers ate the food allotted to the governor.

15 The governors before me had heavily burdened the people, taking from them bread and wine plus forty shekels of silver. ^[a] Their servants also oppressed the people. But I did not do this, because of my fear of God.

16 Instead, I devoted myself to the construction of the wall, and all my servants were gathered there for the work; we did not acquire any land.

17 There were 150 Jews and officials at my table, besides the guests from the surrounding nations.

18 Each day one ox, six choice sheep, and some fowl were prepared for me, and once every ten days an abundance of all kinds of wine was provided. But I did not demand the food allotted to the governor, because the burden on the people was so heavy.

19 Remember me favorably, O my God, for all that I have done for this people.

Nehemiah 5:14-19 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EZRA 5

In this chapter is a complaint of the poor against the rich for oppression of them, Ne 5:1-5 for which Nehemiah being angry, reproved them, and made them promise, and swear to it, to make restitution, Ne 5:6-13 and set them an example himself, taking nothing of them during his twelve years' government, supporting himself and his at his own expenses, Ne 5:14-19.

Footnotes

• [a]. 40 shekels is approximately 1 pound or 453.6 grams of silver.