Nehemiah's Generosity

14 Moreover, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from (A)the twentieth year to (B)the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the king, twelve years, (C)neither I nor my brothers ate the food allowance of the governor. 15 The former governors who were before me laid heavy burdens on the people and took from them for their daily ration[a] forty shekels[b] of silver. Even their servants lorded it over the people. But I did not do so, (D)because of the fear of God. 16 I also persevered in the work on this wall, and we acquired no land, and all my servants were gathered there for the work. 17 Moreover, there were (E)at my table 150 men, Jews and officials, besides those who came to us from the nations that were around us. 18 (F)Now what was prepared at my expense[c] for each day was one ox and six choice sheep and birds, and every ten days all kinds of wine in abundance. Yet for all this (G)I did not demand the food allowance of the governor, because the service was too heavy on this people. 19 (H)Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people.

Read full chapter

Notas al pie

  1. Nehemiah 5:15 Compare Vulgate; Hebrew took from them for food and wine after
  2. Nehemiah 5:15 A shekel was about 2/5 ounce or 11 grams
  3. Nehemiah 5:18 Or prepared for me

Good and Bad Governors

14 Furthermore, from the day King Artaxerxes(A) appointed me to be their governor in the land of Judah—from the twentieth year until his thirty-second year, twelve years(B)—I and my associates never ate from the food allotted to the governor. 15 The governors(C) who preceded me had heavily burdened the people, taking from them food and wine as well as a pound[a] of silver. Their subordinates also oppressed the people, but because of the fear of God, I didn’t do this.(D) 16 Instead, I devoted myself to the construction of this wall,(E) and all my subordinates were gathered there for the work. We didn’t buy any land.(F)

17 There were 150 Jews and officials, as well as guests from the surrounding nations at my table.(G) 18 Each[b] day, one ox, six choice sheep, and some fowl were prepared for me. An abundance of all kinds of wine was provided every ten days.(H) But I didn’t demand the food allotted to the governor, because the burden on the people was so heavy.

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

Read full chapter

Notas al pie

  1. 5:15 Lit 40 shekels
  2. 5:18 Lit And that which was prepared each