Reading for December 11th

Read Nehemiah 5.14-19. In 5.14-19: Nehemiah's refusal to collect the food tax. Having hihlighted his generosity in making his own wealth available to those struggling in the famine crisis, in this section Nehemiah shows his refusal to place additional burdens on the populace, despite his right to collect a "food allowance." In verse 14: From the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes, or from 445 to 434 BCE. The food allowance was apparently the privilege of the local imperial officials to draw their living support from a taxation surcharge. In verse 15: Former governors suggests the Yehud (as region around Jerusalem was known) had been politically independent for some time prior to Nehemiah. In verse 16: I ... aqucired no land: Imperial priviledges included the ability to amass land holdings. Nehemiah's single-mindedness excluded a concern to build wealth. In verse 17: There were at my table one hundred fifty people: Apparently there were all members of his entourage and lesser officals for who the governor was expected to provide food rations, thereby showing that Nehemiah had every reason to exact the food allowance. In verse 19: Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people: This is the first of five separate appeals for God to bear in mind some particular action by, or against Nehemiah. These appeals make it difficult to asses the character of the so-called "Nehemiah memior," since such pietistic asides would not be expected in an offical report. They do, however, provide insight into the emotions and faith of Nehemiah. Comments or Questions..