Nehemiah 5:15

15. Were chargeable unto the people Literally, made heavy upon the people; that is, had made themselves burdensome.

Besides forty shekels of silver This, we think, gives substantially the meaning of the Hebrew, which is more exactly rendered thus: had taken from them in bread and wine after forty shekels of silver. That is, after having received their salary of forty shekels (about $22) a day, (so the Vulgate,) they also took of the people gifts of bread and wine.

Their servants bare rule They copied the example of their masters, and also assumed power to lord it over the people. Bitterly oppressed are any people over whom servants rule.

Compare Lamentations 5:8.

Because of the fear of God Because of Nehemiah’s reverence for God.