Nehemiah 5:14 — English ERV 2006 - Only For Website
And also, during the whole time that I was appointed to be governor in the land of Judah, neither my brothers nor I ate the food that was allowed for the governor. {I never forced the people to pay taxes to buy my food.} I was governor from the 20 year until the 32 year that Artaxerxes was king. I was governor of Judah for twelve years.
What Does This Mean?
Nehemiah explains that during his time as governor of Judah, which lasted twelve years, he and his family did not take advantage of the benefits other governors typically received. This shows Nehemiah's integrity and selflessness.
Explained for Children
Imagine if your teacher said they wouldn't eat the extra cookies meant for teachers. Nehemiah did something like that, showing he cared more about others than about himself.
Historical Background
Nehemiah wrote this part of the Bible while he was in charge of rebuilding Jerusalem. The text was written around 445-432 BCE, and it reflects the life of the Jewish community returning from exile in Babylon.
Living It Out Today
A modern scenario could be a CEO refusing bonuses while ensuring employees get their fair share. This mirrors Nehemiah's selflessness and integrity in leadership.
