Nehemiah 5:14-19
New Living Translation
14 For the entire twelve years that I was governor of Judah—from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of the reign of King Artaxerxes[a]—neither I nor my officials drew on our official food allowance. 15 The former governors, in contrast, had laid heavy burdens on the people, demanding a daily ration of food and wine, besides forty pieces[b] of silver. Even their assistants took advantage of the people. But because I feared God, I did not act that way.
16 I also devoted myself to working on the wall and refused to acquire any land. And I required all my servants to spend time working on the wall. 17 I asked for nothing, even though I regularly fed 150 Jewish officials at my table, besides all the visitors from other lands! 18 The provisions I paid for each day included one ox, six choice sheep or goats, and a large number of poultry. And every ten days we needed a large supply of all kinds of wine. Yet I refused to claim the governor’s food allowance because the people already carried a heavy burden.
19 Remember, O my God, all that I have done for these people, and bless me for it.
Nehemiah 5:14-19
Christian Standard Bible
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)
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