Matthew Henry on Nehemiah 5:14-19

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

Those who truly fear God, will not dare to do any thing cruel or unjust. Let all who are in public places remember that they are so placed to do good, not to enrich themselves. Nehemiah mentions it to God in prayer, not as if he had merited any favour from God, but to show that he depended upon God only, to make up to him what he had lost and laid out for his honour.

Nehemiah evidently spake and acted as one that knew himself to be a sinner. He did not mean to claim a reward as of debt, but in the manner that the Lord rewards a cup of cold water given to a disciple for his sake.

The fear and love of God in the heart, and true love of the brethren, will lead to every good work. These are proper evidences of justifying faith; and our reconciled God will look upon persons of this character for good, according to all they have done for his people.

More for Nehemiah 5:14-19

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 5:1-19An 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 d…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Generosity of Nehemiah. (b. c. 445.)THE GENEROSITY OF NEHEMIAH. (B. C. 445.) 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…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 5:14-19A 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 e…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 5:14-19Self-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 consid…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 5:14-19An 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 with…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 5:14From the day that I was appointed. Literally, "from the day that he (i.e. Artaxerxes) appointed me." From the twentieth year. See above, Nehemiah 2:1. The appointment, having taken place in Nisan, was in b.c. 444. Unto…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 5:14-19EXPOSITION GENERAL ACCOUNT OF NEHEMIAH'S GOVERNMENT (Nehemiah 5:14-19). Having given this account of the internal difficulties which threatened to put a stop to the building of the wall before it was well begun, and bee…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 5:15The practical power of the fear of God. "But so did not I, because of the fear of God."—"The fear of God," as a description of piety, is more common in the Old Testament; "faith" and "love" in the New. But each includes…Joseph S. Exell and contributors