14 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 have not eaten the bread of the governor.

15 But the former governors that [had been] before me were too heavy upon 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.

16 And I also kept on in the work of this wall. Nor did we buy any land. And all my servants gathered there to the work.

17 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.

18 And that which [was] prepared daily [was] one ox and six choice sheep; and birds were prepared; and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine. Yet for all this I did not seek the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.

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