The Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 5:14-19

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

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 TRADITIONAL CUSTOMS. "But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people" (Nehemiah 5:15). Men are chargeable to their fellows—

1. In the state.

2. In morals.

3. In society.

4. In the family.

5. In the Church.

Men have often to pay and suffer for their governors.

III. THAT HE HAS MORE REGARD FOR POPULAR LIBERTY THAN FOR OPPRESSIVE EXACTIONS. "Yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God" (Nehemiah 5:15, Nehemiah 5:18). Nehemiah would not allow the few to oppress the many; he made his servants work (verse 16).

IV. THAT HE HAS MORE REGARD FOR EARNEST INDUSTRY THAN FOR LUXURIOUS INDOLENCE. "Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall" (verse 16).

1. Personal work.

2. Continuous work.

3. Effective work.

4. A good example.

V. THAT HE HAS MORE REGARD FOR WISE BENEFICENCE THAN FOR A MEAN POLICY. "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" (verse 18).

VI. THAT HE HAS MORE REGARD FOR THE DIVINE BENEDICTION THAN FOR HUMAN PRAISE. "Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people" (verse 19).

1. The Divine contemplation of man.

2. The beneficent regard of God for man.

3. God will reward those who aid his people.

4. The measure of the Divine favour not according to what we have done, but according to what Christ has done in, by, and for us.—E.

Nehemiah 4

Nehemiah

Nehemiah 6

Nehemiah 5 - nehemiah-5 - worlddic.com

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 commentaryMatthew Henry on Nehemiah 5:14-19Those 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…Matthew Henry 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 5:14-19Self-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