Nehemiah 5:18
Now that which was prepared for me daily, was one oxe, and sixe choice sheepe; also foules were prepared for mee, and once in ten dayes, store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the gouernour, because the bondage was heauy vpon this people. Nehemiah 5:18 (KJV)
Now
that which was prepared
for me daily
was
one ox
and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people. Nehemiah 5:18 (KJV)
Nehemiah was a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia. When he heard about the distressing condition of the people of Jerusalem and the broken walls of the city, he felt a burden to do something about it. He received permission from the king to go to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls. Despite facing opposition from enemies and dealing with internal conflicts among the people, Nehemiah perseverated with the help of God and successfully completed the task.
Leadership and Integrity: Nehemiah exhibited strong leadership qualities throughout the book. In Nehemiah 5:18 he states that as governor he was entitled to daily provisions—an ox, six choice sheep, fowls, and a store of wine every ten days—but he would not take any of these because the people were in great need. Previous governors had taken the governor’s food allowance in the form of bread, wine, and silver. By providing for his household and guests from his own resources, Nehemiah demonstrated integrity and selflessness, prioritizing the welfare of the people over personal gain. This serves as a powerful example of servant leadership for us today.
The Burden of the People: Nehemiah recognized the heavy burden and suffering the people of Jerusalem were facing. The preceding verses describe how wealthy Jews were exploiting their poorer brethren by charging excessive interest on loans and taking possession of lands and houses. Nehemiah addressed this injustice and worked toward restoring economic justice and fairness among the people. This passage highlights his empathy and concern for those in need, demonstrating the importance of social justice and compassion in our lives.
Trusting in God: Throughout the book we see Nehemiah’s unwavering faith in God. Despite the challenges and opposition he faced, he relied on God’s strength and guidance to carry out the task of rebuilding the walls. In this verse his trust in God was evident as he chose not to burden the people with the governor’s entitlements, instead relying on divine provision. This reminds us of the importance of relying on God’s provision and following His guidance, even in times of difficulty.
Application:
Leadership and Integrity: As leaders, whether in our workplaces, families, or communities, we should strive to exhibit integrity and selflessness. Nehemiah’s example teaches us to put the welfare of others before our own interests and to lead with humility and compassion.
Social Justice: Nehemiah’s concern for the oppressed and his actions to address economic injustice serve as a reminder for us to actively seek justice and help those in need. We should be vigilant in identifying and addressing any form of exploitation or inequality in our spheres of influence.
Trusting in God: Nehemiah’s trust in God’s provision challenges us to rely on God in all areas of our lives. Instead of seeking personal benefits at others’ expense, we should trust that God will meet our needs as we seek to honor Him and serve others.
In conclusion, Nehemiah 5:18 reveals Nehemiah’s integrity, his burden for the people, and his unwavering trust in God. By studying this passage we can learn valuable lessons about leadership, social justice, and trusting in God’s provision.
