Nehemiah's Generosity

Nehemiah 5

¹⁴ Moreover, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from _t the twentieth year to _u the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the king, twelve years, _v neither I nor my brothers ate the food allowance of the governor. ¹⁵ The former governors who were before me laid heavy burdens on the people and took from them for their daily ration ₁ forty shekels ₂ of silver. Even their servants lorded it over the people. But I did not do so, _w because of the fear of God. ¹⁶ I also persevered in the work on this wall, and we acquired no land, and all my servants were gathered there for the work. ¹⁷ Moreover, there were _x at my table 150 men, Jews and officials, besides those who came to us from the nations that were around us. ¹⁸ _y Now what was prepared at my expense ₃ for each day was one ox and six choice sheep and birds, and every ten days all kinds of wine in abundance. Yet for all this _v I did not demand the food allowance of the governor, because the service was too heavy on this people. ¹⁹ _z Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people.

1. Cross References
   Nehemiah 2:1
   In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, I took up the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had not been sad in his presence.
   
2. Cross References
   Nehemiah 13:6
   While this was taking place, I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I went to the king. And after some time I asked leave of the king
   
3. Cross References
   2 Thessalonians 3:8
   Nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you.
   
4. Cross References
   Nehemiah 5:9
   So I said, "The thing that you are doing is not good. Ought you not to walk in the fear of our God to prevent the taunts of the nations our enemies?
   
5. Cross References
   2 Samuel 9:7
   And David said to him, "Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.
   2 Samuel 9:10
   And you and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him and shall bring in the produce, that your master's grandson may have bread to eat. But Mephibosheth your master's grandson shall always eat at my table." Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.
   1 Kings 18:19
   Now therefore send and gather all Israel to me at Mount Carmel, and the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table.
   
6. Cross References
   1 Kings 4:22 - 23
   Solomon's provision for one day was thirty cors of fine flour and sixty cors of meal.
   
7. Cross References
   Nehemiah 5:14
   Moreover, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the king, twelve years, neither I nor my brothers ate the food allowance of the governor.
   
8. Cross References
   Nehemiah 13:14
   Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and do not wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God and for his service.
   Nehemiah 13:22
   Then I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves and come and guard the gates, to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember this also in my favor, O my God, and spare me according to the greatness of your steadfast love.
   Nehemiah 13:31
   And I provided for the wood offering at appointed times, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good.