Nehemiah 5:18 - 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 a store of all sorts of wine. Yet for all this, I didn’t demand the governor’s pay, because the bondage was heavy on this people.
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What does "Nehemiah 5:18" mean?
This verse from Nehemiah 5:18 describes the lavish provisions that were prepared daily (and every ten days for wine) for the governor's table. Let's break it down:
"Now that which was prepared for one day was one ox and six choice sheep." This means that for each day, Nehemiah, as governor, had a large and expensive meal prepared. An ox and six select sheep represent a significant amount of meat, highlighting the potential cost and consumption associated with his position.
"Also, fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days a store of all sorts of wine." In addition to the meat, birds (fowls) were also part of the daily meals. Furthermore, a large quantity of various types of wine was provided every ten days. This further emphasizes the extravagance of the provisions allocated to the governor.
"Yet for all this, I didn’t demand the governor’s pay, because the bondage was heavy on this people." This is the key point of the verse. Despite being entitled to a regular salary as governor and having these extravagant provisions provided, Nehemiah refused to take his pay. He did this because he saw the people were already heavily burdened by the economic hardships and the work of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. Taking his salary would only add to their suffering.
In essence, the verse highlights Nehemiah's selflessness and his commitment to serving the people: He voluntarily forwent his own compensation to alleviate the financial strain on the community, even though he had the right to it and already had these daily provisions supplied. This demonstrates his leadership and compassion during a difficult time for the Israelites. He put the needs of his people above his own personal gain.
Nehemiah 5:18 - 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 a store of all sorts of wine. Yet for all this, I didn’t demand the governor’s pay, because the bondage was heavy on this people.
What does "Nehemiah 5:18" mean?
This verse from Nehemiah 5:18 describes the lavish provisions that were prepared daily (and every ten days for wine) for the governor's table. Let's break it down:
"Now that which was prepared for one day was one ox and six choice sheep." This means that for each day, Nehemiah, as governor, had a large and expensive meal prepared. An ox and six select sheep represent a significant amount of meat, highlighting the potential cost and consumption associated with his position.
"Also, fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days a store of all sorts of wine." In addition to the meat, birds (fowls) were also part of the daily meals. Furthermore, a large quantity of various types of wine was provided every ten days. This further emphasizes the extravagance of the provisions allocated to the governor.
"Yet for all this, I didn’t demand the governor’s pay, because the bondage was heavy on this people." This is the key point of the verse. Despite being entitled to a regular salary as governor and having these extravagant provisions provided, Nehemiah refused to take his pay. He did this because he saw the people were already heavily burdened by the economic hardships and the work of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. Taking his salary would only add to their suffering.
In essence, the verse highlights Nehemiah's selflessness and his commitment to serving the people: He voluntarily forwent his own compensation to alleviate the financial strain on the community, even though he had the right to it and already had these daily provisions supplied. This demonstrates his leadership and compassion during a difficult time for the Israelites. He put the needs of his people above his own personal gain.