Nehemiah 9:37

37 What the land produces goes to the kings that you put over us because we sinned. They do as they please with us and our livestock, and we are in deep 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 With your blessing, kings ruled your people when they lived in the broad, fertile land you gave them; but they failed to turn from sin and serve you.

36 And now we are slaves in the land that you gave us, this fertile land which gives us food.

37 What the land produces goes to the kings that you put over us because we sinned. They do as they please with us and our livestock, and we are in deep distress!"

38 Because of all that has happened, we, the people of Israel, hereby make a solemn written agreement, and our leaders, our Levites, and our priests put their seals to it.