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Commentary on Nehemiah 5 verses 14–19
Nehemiah had mentioned his own practice, as an inducement to the nobles not to burden the poor, no, not with just demands; here he relates more particularly what his practice was, not inn pride or vain-glory, nor to pass a compliment upon himself, but as an inducement both to his successors and to the inferior magistrates to be as tender as might be of the people's ease.
I. He intimates what had been the way of his predecessors, Neh 5:15. He does not name them, because what he had to say of them was not to their honour, and in such a case it is good to spare names; but the people knew how chargeable they had been, and how dearly the country paid for all the benefit of their government. The government allowed them forty shekels of silver, which was nearly five pounds (so much a day, it is probable); but, besides that, they obliged the people to furnish them with bread and wine, which they claimed as perquisites of their office; and not only so, but they suffered their servants to squeeze the people, and to get all they could out of them. Note, 1. It is no new thing for those who are in public places to seek themselves more than the public welfare, any, and to serve themselves by the public loss. 2. Masters must be accountable for all the acts of fraud and injustice, violence and oppression, which they connive at in their servants.
II. He tells us what had been his own way.
1.In general, he had not done as the former governors did; he would not, he durst not, because of the fear of God. He had an awe of God's majesty and a dread of his wrath. And, (1.) The fear of God restrained him from oppressing the people. Those that truly fear God will not dare to do any thing cruel or unjust. (2.) It was purely that which restrained him. He was thus generous, not that he might have praise of men, or serve a turn by his interest in the people, but purely for conscience' sake, because of the fear of God. This will not only be a powerful, but an acceptable principle both of justice and charity. What a good hand his predecessors made of their place appeared by the estates they raised; but Nehemiah, for his part, got nothing, except the satisfaction of doing good: Neither bought we any land, Neh 5:16. Say not then that he was a bad husband, but that he was a good governor, who aimed not to feather his own nest. Let us remember the words of the Lord, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive, Act 20:35.
2.More particularly, observe here, (1.) How little Nehemiah received of what he might have required. He did the work of the governor, but he did not eat the bread of the governor (Neh 5:14), did not require it, Neh 5:18. So far was he from extorting more than his due that he never demanded that, but lived upon what he had got in the king of Persia's court and his own estate in Judea: the reason he gives for this piece of self-denial is, Because the bondage was heavy upon the people. He might have used the common excuse for rigour in such cases, that it would be a wrong to his successors not to demand his dues; but let them look to themselves: he considered the afflicted state of the Jews, and, while they groaned under so much hardship, he could not find it in his heart to add to their burden, but would rather lessen his own estate than ruin them. note, In our demands we must consider not only the justice of them, but the ability of those on whom we make them; where there is nothing to be had we know who loses his right. (2.) How much he gave which he might have withheld. [1.] His servants' work, Neh 5:16. The servants of princes think themselves excused from labour; but Nehemiah's servants, by his order no doubt, were all gathered to the work. Those that have many servants should contrive how they may do good with them and keep them well employed. [2.] His own meat, Neh 5:17, Neh 5:18. He kept a very good table, not on certain days, but constantly; he had many honourable guests, at least 150 of his own countrymen, persons of the first rank, besides strangers that came to him upon business; and he had plentiful provisions for his guests, beef, and mutton, and fowl, and all sorts of wine. Let those in public places remember that they were preferred to do good, not to enrich themselves; and let people in humbler stations learn to use hospitality one to another without grudging, Pe1 4:9.
III. He concludes with a prayer (Neh 5:19): Think upon me, my God, for good. 1. Nehemiah here mentions what he had done for this people, not in pride, as boasting of himself, nor in passion, as upbraiding them, nor does it appear that he had occasion to do it in his own vindication, as Paul had to relate his like self-denying tenderness towards the Corinthians, but to shame the rulers out of their oppressions; let them learn of him to be neither greedy in their demands nor paltry in their expenses, and then they would have the credit and comfort of their liberality, as he had. 2. He mentions it to God in prayer, not as if he thought he had hereby merited any favour from God, as a debt, but to show that he looked not for any recompence of his generosity from men, but depended upon God only to make up to him what he had lost and laid out for his honour; and he reckoned the favour of God reward enough. "If God do but think upon me for good, I have enough." His thoughts to us-ward are our happiness, Psa 40:5. He refers it to God to recompense him in such a manner as he pleased. "If men forget me, let my God think on me, and I desire no more."
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SUMMARY
Nehemiah 5:19 is a profound and humble prayer offered by Nehemiah, the governor of Judah, appealing to God for favorable remembrance and blessing. This personal intercession arises from a context of selfless and sacrificial leadership, where Nehemiah prioritized the welfare of the Jewish people and the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls over personal gain. The verse encapsulates his deep integrity, unwavering trust in God's perfect justice, and the conviction that true reward and ultimate vindication come solely from divine recognition, not human accolades or material compensation.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Nehemiah 5:19 employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. The most prominent device is Prayer, a direct and intimate address to God, which highlights Nehemiah's profound piety, personal relationship with the divine, and absolute reliance on God's favor rather than human accolades. This prayer functions as a Personal Appeal, where Nehemiah, despite his significant accomplishments and leadership, casts himself entirely upon God's mercy and justice. There is a strong element of Contrast within the broader context of Nehemiah 5; Nehemiah's selfless actions and humble prayer stand in stark opposition to the greedy, self-serving, and oppressive practices of the nobles and officials. His prayer implicitly serves as a Vindication of his leadership and integrity before God, recognizing that God is the ultimate judge and rewarder. The use of the verb "think upon" (Hebrew zâkar) carries the weight of Anthropomorphism, attributing human-like memory and active consideration to God, yet conveying a profound theological truth about God's attentive and responsive nature towards His faithful servants.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah's prayer in Nehemiah 5:19 resonates deeply with the broader biblical teaching on divine remembrance and the ultimate reward for faithful service. It underscores the theological truth that God is a righteous judge who sees, values, and remembers the deeds done in His name, particularly those performed with integrity and self-sacrifice for the good of His people. This is not a transactional plea to earn salvation, but a confident appeal based on the immutable character of God, who is just and will not forget the labor of love shown by His servants. It affirms that while human recognition may be fleeting or absent, God's remembrance leads to genuine, lasting "good" and blessing. This perspective encourages believers to serve with pure motives, knowing their ultimate reward comes from the Lord, not from human praise or earthly gain.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 5:19 offers a powerful and enduring model for contemporary believers, particularly those in leadership or service roles within the church or wider community. It challenges us to critically examine our motives for ministry and service: are we seeking human applause, recognition, or personal gain, or are we genuinely seeking God's approval and remembrance? Nehemiah's unwavering integrity in the face of internal corruption and his steadfast focus on the welfare of his people, even at great personal cost, provides a compelling example of Christ-like leadership. This verse profoundly encourages us to serve faithfully, diligently, and selflessly, knowing with certainty that every act of love, compassion, and dedication, no matter how small or unseen by others, is noticed and remembered by God. It reminds us that our ultimate reward is not found in fleeting earthly recognition or material accumulation, but in the divine "good" that God graciously bestows upon those who serve Him with a pure heart. We can confidently bring our petitions before God, trusting in His justice and faithfulness to bless us according to His perfect will and our faithfulness, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is Nehemiah's prayer a form of boasting or an attempt to earn salvation?
Answer: No, Nehemiah's prayer is neither a boast nor an attempt to earn salvation. It is a humble, confident appeal to God's justice and faithfulness, rooted in a deep, personal covenantal relationship. Nehemiah understood that salvation comes by grace, but also that God righteously rewards faithful obedience and service. His prayer is a request for God to remember his deeds "for good," implying a desire for divine favor and blessing in response to his integrity and self-sacrifice, not as a means to merit eternal life. It aligns perfectly with the biblical principle that God sees and acknowledges the work of His servants, as articulated in Hebrews 6:10.
What does it mean for God to "think upon" someone in the biblical sense?
Answer: In biblical language, when God "thinks upon" or "remembers" someone (Hebrew: zâkar), it signifies much more than a mere mental recollection. It implies an active, intentional, and often favorable consideration that leads directly to divine action or intervention on behalf of the one remembered. For example, when God "remembered" Noah, He acted decisively to subside the floodwaters and bring him to safety (Genesis 8:1). Similarly, when He "remembered" His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, He acted to deliver Israel from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 2:24). Thus, Nehemiah's plea is for God to actively respond to his faithful service with blessing and "good," demonstrating God's attentive and responsive nature towards His devoted servants.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah's selfless leadership and his profound trust in God's remembrance powerfully foreshadow the ultimate example of self-sacrifice and divine vindication found supremely in Jesus Christ. While Nehemiah served for the good of his people and humbly sought God's "good" in return, Christ, the true and perfect Servant, did not merely refuse personal gain; He utterly emptied Himself, taking the very form of a servant, and humbling Himself even to the point of death on a cross for the salvation of His people (Philippians 2:7-8). His entire earthly life was a seamless tapestry of perfect obedience and sacrificial service, not for His own benefit, but for the glory of God the Father and the eternal redemption of humanity. The Father indeed "thought upon" Him for good, raising Him from the dead with glorious power and exalting Him to the highest place, granting Him a name above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow (Philippians 2:9-11). Believers are now called to follow Christ's peerless example of selfless service, not primarily seeking earthly reward or human recognition, but trusting that their labor of love in the Lord is never in vain and that their ultimate reward is secured in heaven by Christ's finished work and righteous reign (1 Corinthians 15:58; Colossians 3:23-24). Nehemiah's prayer, therefore, points us to the One who perfectly fulfilled the call to serve and was perfectly remembered and gloriously rewarded by God for the good of all who believe.