Nehemiah 5:18

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Nehemiah 5:14-19

Nehemiah had mentioned his own practice, as an inducement to the nobles not to burden the poor, no, not with just demands; here he relates more particularly what his practice was, not inn pride or vain-glory, nor to pass a compliment upon himself, but as an inducement both to his successors and to the inferior magistrates to be as tender as might be of the people's ease. I. He intimates what had been the way of his predecessors, Neh. 5:15. He does not name them, because what he had to say of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Nehemiah 5:18

Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep ,.... Or fat ones; of beef and mutton a considerable quantity, abundantly sufficient for his guests and servants, and shows what a good table he kept: also fowls were prepared for me ; what number is not said: and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine ; the country afforded; that is, either once in ten days his stock of wine was renewed, or a more liberal entertainment was made, a banquet of wine, Esther... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Nehemiah 5:18

One ox , and six choice sheep - This was food sufficient for more than two hundred men. Once in ten days store of all sorts of wine - It is supposed that every tenth day they drank wine; at all other times they drank water; unless we suppose the meaning of the phrase to be, that his servants laid in a stock of wine every ten days. Though the Asiatics drank sparingly of wine, yet it is not very likely that, in a case such as that above, wine was tasted only... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Nehemiah 5:1-19

An example of successful activity for God. A great practical reformation carried out by a religious ruler on the highest religious principles, and by the strength of religious character. No more difficult task than to deal successfully with such circumstances in which men's selfish interests were involved, .and the monied classes would be against reform. Nehemiah, by his wisdom, boldness, and simple-minded appeal to God, achieved a marvellous success. Notice— I. The direct appeal to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Nehemiah 5:14-19

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Nehemiah 5:14-19

An example of disinterestedness. In contrast with the selfishness of others Nehemiah sets his own generous conduct. I. HIS NOBLE CONDUCT . 1. He forewent the usual allowances to the governor, for twelve years ruling without charge for his services (verses 14, 15). 2. He restrained those under him from oppressive and extortionate rule (verse 15). Although preceding governors had permitted such rule on the part of their servants. 3. He and his assisted the needy without... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Nehemiah 5:14-19

Self-regard and magnanimity. In each one of these verses Nehemiah makes a personal reference. He, the writer, is the theme of his narrative. He writes of himself more than is customary with the sacred authors. We consider— I. THE SELF - REGARD WHICH IS NOT SELFISHNESS . Though Nehemiah writes about himself, there is no painful egotism in his record. He does not obtrude himself. There is a self-regard which is not selfishness. It is right and needful that we should (a) ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Nehemiah 5:14-19

A man of public spirit. I. THAT HE HAS MORE REGARD FOR THE PUBLIC WELFARE THAN FOR PERSONAL REMUNERATION . "Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor" ( Nehemiah 5:14 ). II. THAT HE HAS MORE REGARD FOR NECESSARY REFORMS THAN FOR ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Nehemiah 5:18

Once in ten clays store of all sorts of wine . Literally, "all sorts of wine in abundance." Wine was probably drunk every day, but laid in every ten days. Yet for all this. Or, " with all this"—notwithstanding this great expenditure, I took no allowance as governor. Because the bondage was heavy upon this people . The bondage intended must be that under the Persian crown, since neither the labour at the wall nor the oppression of the creditors lasted during the twelve years that Nehemiah... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Nehemiah 5:18

Compare the far grander provision for Solomon’s table (see the marginal reference). read more

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