Nehemiah 5:14–19

Introduction

Nehemiah 5:14–19: Nehemiah has become governor of Judah. Today’s reading highlights his generosity and unselfishness.

Today’s Key Verse: Nehemiah 5:15b GNT

[Nehemiah said:] “I acted differently, because I honored God.”

Read

¹⁴ During all the twelve years that I was governor of the land of Judah, from the twentieth year that Artaxerxes was emperor until his thirty-second year, neither my relatives nor I ate the food I was entitled to have as governor. ¹⁵ Every governor who had been in office before me had been a burden to the people and had demanded forty silver coins a day for food and wine. Even their servants had oppressed the people. But I acted differently, because I honored God. ¹⁶ I put all my energy into rebuilding the wall and did not acquire any property. Everyone who worked for me joined in the rebuilding. ¹⁷ I regularly fed at my table a hundred and fifty of the Jewish people and their leaders, besides all the people who came to me from the surrounding nations. ¹⁸ Every day I served one beef, six of the best sheep, and many chickens, and every ten days I provided a fresh supply of wine. But I knew what heavy burdens the people had to bear, and so I did not claim the allowance that the governor is entitled to.

¹⁹ I pray you, O God, remember to my credit everything that I have done for this people.

Reflect

How do Nehemiah’s actions as governor differ from his predecessors? Nehemiah says he acted differently because he honored God. How do his acts of generosity demonstrate his honoring God? How would you describe his leadership style?

Pray

Lord God, help me to be unselfish toward others in my thoughts, words, and deeds today. May my actions honor you and reflect your love and care for all people. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Nehemiah 8:1–12: Ezra reads the Law to the people gathered in Jerusalem.