Nehemiah 5:17

Moreover [there were] at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that [are] about us.

Moreover there were at my table {H7979} an hundred {H3967} and fifty {H2572}{H376} of the Jews {H3064} and rulers {H5461}, beside those that came {H935} unto us from among the heathen {H1471} that are about us {H5439}.

There were 150 leaders and other Judeans who ate at my table, besides those who came to us from the surrounding nations.

There were 150 Jews and officials at my table, besides the guests from the surrounding nations.

Moreover there were at my table, of the Jews and the rulers, a hundred and fifty men, besides those that came unto us from among the nations that were round about us.

Nehemiah 5:17 offers a powerful snapshot of Nehemiah's personal integrity and sacrificial leadership during the challenging period of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. This verse details his extraordinary generosity and hospitality, which stood in stark contrast to the oppressive practices he had just confronted among some of the Jewish nobles and rulers.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse comes immediately after Nehemiah addresses the severe economic injustice where wealthy Jews were exploiting their poorer brethren, forcing them into debt and even slavery (see Nehemiah 5:1-5). Nehemiah had just rebuked these oppressors and called for restitution and an end to usury (Nehemiah 5:6-13). Verse 17 then serves as a personal testimony to his own conduct, demonstrating the very principles of selflessness and concern for others that he demanded. For 12 years as governor, Nehemiah refused to take the customary governor's allowance, instead bearing the cost of his administration and the feeding of many from his personal resources (Nehemiah 5:14-16), setting a profound example of integrity.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Generous Leadership: Nehemiah's table was a place of constant provision, feeding a large number of people daily – 150 Jews and rulers, plus visitors from surrounding nations. This highlights his immense generosity and deep commitment to caring for his people, going far beyond his official duties. It speaks to a leader who personally invested in the welfare of his community.
  • Integrity and Self-Sacrifice: In stark contrast to previous governors who enriched themselves at the people's expense, Nehemiah bore the financial burden of feeding so many personally. His actions exemplified the kind of upright leadership he demanded from others, prioritizing service and the common good over personal gain. This embodies the essence of servant leadership.
  • Inclusivity and Hospitality: The mention of "those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us" is significant. It shows that Nehemiah's hospitality extended beyond the Jewish community to non-Jewish visitors, likely diplomats, traders, or those seeking audience. This open-table policy fostered good relations and demonstrated a welcoming spirit, even amidst the intense work of rebuilding and potential external threats. It reflects a biblical call to practice hospitality.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's use of bracketed words like "[there were]" and "[are]" indicates that these words were supplied by the translators for clarity in English, reflecting the continuous and regular nature of Nehemiah's provision. The phrase "at my table" signifies not just eating, but being provided for and welcomed into fellowship. The term "heathen" refers to non-Jewish people or Gentiles from the surrounding nations, highlighting the breadth of Nehemiah's outreach.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 5:17 provides a timeless model for leaders and individuals today. It challenges us to embrace generosity, integrity, and self-sacrifice in our spheres of influence. True leadership often involves personal cost and a willingness to serve others, even those outside our immediate group or comfort zone. It reminds us to use our resources, whether financial, time, or talent, not for personal enrichment but for the welfare of others and the advancement of God's purposes. This verse encourages us to lead by example, demonstrating the values we wish to see in our communities.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Kings 18:19

    Now therefore send, [and] gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table.

  • 2 Samuel 9:7

    And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.

  • 1 Peter 4:9

    Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

  • 1 Peter 4:10

    As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

  • 2 Samuel 9:13

    So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king's table; and was lame on both his feet.

  • Isaiah 32:8

    But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand.

  • Romans 12:13

    Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
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