Study Desk

And from the time that I was chosen to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even to the thirty second year of Artaxerxes the king, twelve years, I and my brothers did not eat the bread of the governor.

The former governors that had been before me were too heavy on the people, and had taken bread and wine from them, besides forty shekels of silver. Yes, even their servants bore rule over the people. But I did not do this, because of the fear of God.

Yea, I also worked strongly in the work of this wall, nor did we buy a field. And all my servants were gathered there to the work.

And at my table were a hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, besides those who came to us from among the nations around us.

And that which was prepared for me daily was one ox, six fat sheep. Also birds were prepared for me; and between ten days, in all of the wine plentifully. And with this I did not seek thebread of the governor, for the bondage washeavy on this people.

Think upon me for good, my God, according to all that I have done for this people.