Nehemiah 5:18

Now [that] which was prepared [for me] daily [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 required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.

Now that which was prepared {H6213} for me daily {H3117} was one {H259} ox {H7794} and six {H8337} choice {H1305} sheep {H6629}; also fowls {H6833} were prepared {H6213} for me, and once in ten {H6235} days {H3117} store {H7235} of all sorts of wine {H3196}: yet for all {H5973} this required {H1245} not I the bread {H3899} of the governor {H6346}, because the bondage {H5656} was heavy {H3513} upon this people {H5971}.

Every day one ox, six choice sheep, and fowl were prepared for me, and every ten days a supply of all kinds of wine. Yet in spite of all this, I never claimed the governor's allowance, because the people were already bearing the heavy burden of their labor.

Each day one ox, six choice sheep, and some fowl were prepared for me, and once every ten days an abundance of all kinds of wine was provided. But I did not demand the food allotted to the governor, because the burden on the people was so heavy.

Now that which was prepared for one day 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 I demanded not the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.

Commentary

Nehemiah 5:18 provides a remarkable insight into the selfless character and leadership of Nehemiah during the critical period of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. Despite being entitled to a lavish daily provision as governor, Nehemiah chose to forgo it, recognizing the severe economic hardship faced by the Jewish people. This verse underscores his integrity, empathy, and commitment to the welfare of his community above his own personal gain.

Context

This verse is situated within Nehemiah chapter 5, which details a significant social crisis that arose during the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem. The people, already struggling with famine, heavy taxation, and the costs associated with reconstruction, found themselves deeply in debt, often forced to mortgage their fields or even sell their children into slavery to survive (see Nehemiah 5:1-5). While other governors typically burdened the people with their own expenses, Nehemiah, moved by the plight of his fellow Israelites, refused to add to their "bondage." His personal sacrifice served as a powerful example and rebuke to the oppressive practices of the nobles and officials.

Key Themes

  • Selfless Leadership: Nehemiah's decision to refuse his rightful allowance demonstrates a profound commitment to serving others rather than exploiting his position for personal enrichment. His actions stand in stark contrast to the common practices of his time, showcasing genuine integrity and ethical governance.
  • Empathy and Compassion: The phrase "because the bondage was heavy upon this people" reveals Nehemiah's deep empathy for the suffering of his community. He felt their burden keenly and allowed it to dictate his personal choices, prioritizing their relief over his own comfort. This resonates with the biblical call to weep with those who weep.
  • Sacrificial Service: Nehemiah's willingness to personally bear a financial cost to alleviate the burden on the people exemplifies true sacrificial service. It highlights that authentic leadership often requires personal cost and a willingness to put the needs of the led before one's own.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "required not I the bread of the governor" translates from the Hebrew lo bikkashti (ืœึนื ื‘ึดืงึผึทืฉืึฐืชึผึดื™), which literally means "I did not seek" or "I did not demand." This emphasizes Nehemiah's deliberate and conscious choice to waive his entitlement, highlighting his proactive refusal rather than a passive acceptance.
  • "The bondage was heavy" comes from the Hebrew ha'avodah kashah (ื”ึธืขึฒื‘ึนื“ึธื” ืงึธืฉืึธื”), meaning "the heavy service" or "the hard labor." This term powerfully conveys the severe economic and physical oppression the people were enduring, making Nehemiah's act of self-denial even more significant.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 5:18 offers a timeless model for leadership and personal conduct. For those in positions of authority, it challenges them to lead with integrity, to be mindful of the burdens on those they serve, and to be willing to make personal sacrifices for the greater good. For all believers, it calls for a spirit of generosity and empathy, reminding us to be sensitive to the needs of the struggling and to use our resources and influence to alleviate hardship rather than contribute to it. It encourages a life of service that echoes the example of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 4:22 (4 votes)

    And Solomon's provision for one day was thirty measures of fine flour, and threescore measures of meal,

  • 1 Kings 4:23 (4 votes)

    Ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and an hundred sheep, beside harts, and roebucks, and fallowdeer, and fatted fowl.

  • Psalms 37:21 (3 votes)

    ยถ The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.

  • Psalms 37:26 (3 votes)

    [He is] ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed [is] blessed.

  • Nehemiah 5:14 (2 votes)

    ยถ Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, [that is], twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.

  • Nehemiah 5:15 (2 votes)

    But the former governors that [had been] before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.