Nechemyah 5:16

16 But instead I continued in the melekhet HaChomah (work of this Wall), neither acquired we any sadeh; and all my men were gathered there unto the melachah (work).

Nechemyah 5:16 Meaning and Commentary

Nehemiah 5:16

Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall
Of building the wall of Jerusalem; here he gave his constant attendance to direct and encourage the workmen, and see that they kept to their work, and did it well:

neither bought we any land;
neither he nor the principal men with him, though they could have bought it cheap, but they chose not to take the advantage of the poverty of the people:

and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work:
all were employed in it, taking no wages for their work, being maintained at his expense.

Nechemyah 5:16 In-Context

14 Moreover, from the yom that I was appointed to be their governor in Eretz Yehudah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artachshasta HaMelech, that is, twelve shanim, I and my brethren have not eaten the Lechem HaPechah (Allowance of the Governor).

15 But the former governors that had been before me placed a heavy burden on HaAm, and had taken of them lechem and yayin, in addition to the forty shekels of kesef; yea, even their assistants domineered HaAm; but so did not I, because of yirat Elohim.

16 But instead I continued in the melekhet HaChomah (work of this Wall), neither acquired we any sadeh; and all my men were gathered there unto the melachah (work).

17 Moreover there were at my shulchan a hundred and fifty of the Yehudim and officials, besides those that came unto us from among the Goyim around us.

18 Now that which was prepared daily was one shor (ox) and six choice sheep; also poultry were prepared at my expense, and every ten days skins of yayin in quantity of all kinds; yet for all this required not I the Lechem HaPechah, because the avodah was heavy upon this people.