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.

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Footnotes

  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

Nehemiah Denies His Allotment

14 Moreover, from the appointed day I was made their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year until the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes—twelve years. My brothers and I did not eat the food allowance of the governor. 15 The former governors who were before me laid burdens on the people, and they took food and wine from them, besides forty shekels. Also, their servants controlled the people, but I did not do so because of the fear of God. 16 I also devoted myself to the work of this wall, and we did not buy land. All of my servants were gathered for the work. 17 One hundred and fifty men, prefects and Jews, and those who came to us from the nations around us, were at my table. 18 Now what was prepared each day for me was one ox, six choice sheep, and birds. And every ten days all kinds of wine were made. But for this I did not demand the food allowance of the governor because the slavery was too heavy on this people. 19 Remember me for good, my God, all that I have done for this people.

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