Nehemiah 5:14 - Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even to the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brothers have not eaten the bread of the governor.
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What does "Nehemiah 5:14" mean?
This verse from Nehemiah 5:14 is a powerful statement about Nehemiah's integrity and dedication to the people of Judah. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
Context: Nehemiah was appointed governor of Judah by Artaxerxes I, the Persian king, to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and restore the nation.
"Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor...": This sets the timeframe. Nehemiah is talking about the 12 years he served as governor.
"...from the twentieth year even to the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years...": This specifies the duration of his governorship. It was a significant period during which he led the reconstruction efforts.
"...I and my brothers have not eaten the bread of the governor.": This is the core of the verse. "The bread of the governor" refers to the food and provisions that were traditionally provided to the governor at the expense of the people he governed (taxes, levies, etc.). Nehemiah is saying that he and his relatives refused to accept these resources.
What this implies:
Financial Burden on the People: Governors typically used their position to enrich themselves, placing a heavy financial burden on the population. Nehemiah, in contrast, refused to take what was rightfully his (as governor) to ease the burden on the already struggling people of Judah. They were rebuilding their city, facing opposition, and dealing with economic hardship.
Selflessness and Leadership: This act demonstrates Nehemiah's selflessness and dedication. He put the needs of the people above his own. He was a true leader who served his people instead of exploiting them.
Integrity and Example: Nehemiah set an example of ethical governance. He wanted to show that leadership should be about service and not personal gain. He lived with integrity, unwilling to profit at the expense of his people.
Comparison to Previous Governors: Earlier in Nehemiah 5, there is a discussion of previous governors who had been oppressive and greedy. Nehemiah contrasts himself with them, highlighting his commitment to a different style of leadership.
In essence, Nehemiah is saying that he declined the traditional perks and privileges that came with being governor to alleviate the financial strain on the people of Judah. This was a testament to his integrity, selflessness, and commitment to serving the people he governed.
Nehemiah 5:14 - Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even to the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brothers have not eaten the bread of the governor.
What does "Nehemiah 5:14" mean?
This verse from Nehemiah 5:14 is a powerful statement about Nehemiah's integrity and dedication to the people of Judah. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
Context: Nehemiah was appointed governor of Judah by Artaxerxes I, the Persian king, to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and restore the nation.
"Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor...": This sets the timeframe. Nehemiah is talking about the 12 years he served as governor.
"...from the twentieth year even to the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years...": This specifies the duration of his governorship. It was a significant period during which he led the reconstruction efforts.
"...I and my brothers have not eaten the bread of the governor.": This is the core of the verse. "The bread of the governor" refers to the food and provisions that were traditionally provided to the governor at the expense of the people he governed (taxes, levies, etc.). Nehemiah is saying that he and his relatives refused to accept these resources.
What this implies:
Financial Burden on the People: Governors typically used their position to enrich themselves, placing a heavy financial burden on the population. Nehemiah, in contrast, refused to take what was rightfully his (as governor) to ease the burden on the already struggling people of Judah. They were rebuilding their city, facing opposition, and dealing with economic hardship.
Selflessness and Leadership: This act demonstrates Nehemiah's selflessness and dedication. He put the needs of the people above his own. He was a true leader who served his people instead of exploiting them.
Integrity and Example: Nehemiah set an example of ethical governance. He wanted to show that leadership should be about service and not personal gain. He lived with integrity, unwilling to profit at the expense of his people.
Comparison to Previous Governors: Earlier in Nehemiah 5, there is a discussion of previous governors who had been oppressive and greedy. Nehemiah contrasts himself with them, highlighting his commitment to a different style of leadership.
In essence, Nehemiah is saying that he declined the traditional perks and privileges that came with being governor to alleviate the financial strain on the people of Judah. This was a testament to his integrity, selflessness, and commitment to serving the people he governed.