17 Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us.
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.
17 Moreover, there were at my table 150 men, Jews and officials, besides those who came to us from the nations that were around us.
17 I fed one hundred and fifty Jews and officials at my table in addition to those who showed up from the surrounding nations.
17 And at my table were one hundred and fifty Jews and rulers, besides those who came to us from the nations around us.
17 I asked for nothing, even though I regularly fed 150Â Jewish officials at my table, besides all the visitors from other lands!
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:17
Commentary on Nehemiah 5:14-19
(Read Nehemiah 5:14-19)
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.