NEHEMIAH'S EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF LEADERSHIP

Passage: Nehemiah 5:14-19

Key verse: 19

NIV

14 Moreover, from the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes,(A) when I was appointed to be their governor(B) in the land of Judah, until his thirty-second year—twelve years—neither I nor my brothers ate the food allotted to the governor. 15 But the earlier governors—those preceding me—placed a heavy burden on the people and took forty shekels[a] of silver from them in addition to food and wine. Their assistants also lorded it over the people. But out of reverence for God(C) I did not act like that. 16 Instead,(D) I devoted myself to the work on this wall. All my men were assembled there for the work; we[b] did not acquire any land.

17 Furthermore, a hundred and fifty Jews and officials ate at my table, as well as those who came to us from the surrounding nations. 18 Each day one ox, six choice sheep and some poultry(E) were prepared for me, and every ten days an abundant supply of wine of all kinds. In spite of all this, I never demanded the food allotted to the governor, because the demands were heavy on these people.

19 Remember(F) me with favor, my God, for all I have done for these people.

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Footnotes
  1. Nehemiah 5:15 That is, about 1 pound or about 460 grams
  2. Nehemiah 5:16 Most Hebrew manuscripts; some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Vulgate and Syriac I
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

Nehemiah's Generosity

14 Moreover, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from (A)the twentieth year to (B)the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the king, twelve years, (C)neither I nor my brothers ate the food allowance of the governor. 15 The former governors who were before me laid heavy burdens on the people and took from them for their daily ration[a] forty shekels[b] of silver. Even their servants lorded it over the people. But I did not do so, (D)because of the fear of God. 16 I also persevered in the work on this wall, and we acquired no land, and all my servants were gathered there for the work. 17 Moreover, there were (E)at my table 150 men, Jews and officials, besides those who came to us from the nations that were around us. 18 (F)Now what was prepared at my expense[c] for each day was one ox and six choice sheep and birds, and every ten days all kinds of wine in abundance. Yet for all this (G)I did not demand the food allowance of the governor, because the service was too heavy on this people. 19 (H)Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people.

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Footnotes
  1. Nehemiah 5:15 Compare Vulgate; Hebrew took from them for food and wine after
  2. Nehemiah 5:15 A shekel was about 2/5 ounce or 11 grams
  3. Nehemiah 5:18 Or prepared for me
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway
1. Nehemiah is appointed governor (14-16) Artaxerxes appointed Nehemiah as governor. He served the position for 12 years. During his entire term, he did not receive the high salary due him as governor. Former governors and their officials lorded over the people and placed high demands on them, abusing their power. But Nehemiah feared God and refused even what they were entitled to. Moreover, they overcame the temptation to acquire land and make themselves rich, and rather they devoted themselves to the work of rebuilding the walls. 2. Nehemiah's servant leadership (17-19) Every day he entertained 15 nobles and officials as well as guests at his table-at his own expense. He was generous, hospitable and relational. As a leader, he defended the poor, managed his officials well, and partnered with those who controlled resources that would benefit the nation. He did these things because he feared God and wanted to restore the nation.

Prayer: Lord, help me to learn from Nehemiah -- not to take, but to serve and to give sacrificially for the sake of those you have put around me. Help me to fear you, not people.

One Word: A servant leader fears God and sacrifices himself to carry out the task of rebuilding the nation