Paul Kretzmann Commentary - Nehemiah 5:14 - 5:19

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Paul Kretzmann Commentary - Nehemiah 5:14 - 5:19


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Nehemiah's Fine Example

v. 14. Moreover, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah,
Nehemiah interrupting his narrative in order to make this explanation concerning his entire term of office, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, at the end of which time he wrote this history, I and my brethren, the other men of his family, have not eaten the bread of the governor.

v. 15. But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people,
they accepted the salary allowed them by the Persian king, and had taken of them bread and wine beside forty shekels of silver (amounting to about $360 a year, in cash alone, or, according to others, to some $30 a day); yea, even their servants bare rule over the people; but so did not I because of the fear of God, which caused him to seek the welfare of the people first.

v. 16. Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land,
namely, for purposes of speculation; and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work, they were not excused from building the wall.

v. 17. Moreover, there were at my table, partaking of his hospitality, an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers,
which made his establishment a very costly one, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us, visitors to whom he freely showed hospitality.

v. 18.
: Now, that which was prepared for me daily, being used up in this great household, was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine. Yet, for all this, which he might have charged to his salary, required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage, both the taxes of the government and the requirements of their national welfare, was heavy upon this people, they had difficulty in meeting all these obligations.

v. 19. Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people,
rather, "Remember to me, my God, for all the good which I did upon this people," as a fine example to all Christians whose circumstances permit them to do an unusual amount of good to their fellow-Christians and to all men. If God has blessed men with this world's goods, they should be glad to share them with those who are less fortunately situated and are truly in need.