Nehemiah 9:37
Nehemiah 9:37 in Multiple Translations
Its abundant harvest goes to the kings You have set over us because of our sins. And they rule over our bodies and our livestock as they please. We are in great distress.
And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.
And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have power over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.
And it gives much increase to the kings whom you have put over us because of our sins: and they have power over our bodies and over our cattle at their pleasure, and we are in great trouble.
The rich harvests of this land go to the kings you have placed over us because of our sins. They rule over our bodies and our cattle, doing whatever they want. We are suffering so much!”
And it yeeldeth much fruit vnto the kings whom thou hast set ouer vs, because of our sinnes: and they haue dominion ouer our bodyes and ouer our cattell at their pleasure, and we are in great affliction.
and its increase it is multiplying to the kings whom Thou hast set over us in our sins; and over our bodies they are ruling, and over our cattle, according to their pleasure, and we [are] in great distress.
It yields much increase to the kings whom you have set over us because of our sins. Also they have power over our bodies and over our livestock, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.
And it yieldeth much increase to the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.
And the fruits thereof grow up for the kings, whom thou hast set over us for our sins, and they have dominion over our bodies, and over our beasts, according to their will, and we are in great tribulation.
Because we have sinned, we cannot eat the things that grow here. The kings that now rule over us are enjoying the things that grow here. They rule us and take our cattle. We have to serve them and do the things that please them. We are experiencing great misery/distress.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 9:37
BAB
Word Study
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Nehemiah 9:37 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/תְבוּאָתָ֣/הּ
מַרְבָּ֗ה
לַ/מְּלָכִ֛ים
אֲשֶׁר
נָתַ֥תָּה
עָלֵ֖י/נוּ
בְּ/חַטֹּאותֵ֑י/נוּ
וְ/עַ֣ל
גְּ֠וִיֹּתֵי/נוּ
מֹשְׁלִ֤ים
וּ/בִ/בְהֶמְתֵּ֨/נוּ֙
כִּ/רְצוֹנָ֔/ם
וּ/בְ/צָרָ֥ה
גְדוֹלָ֖ה
אֲנָֽחְנוּ
וּ/תְבוּאָתָ֣/הּ
tᵉbûwʼâh
H8393
produce
Conj | N-fs | Suff
מַרְבָּ֗ה
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
V-Hiphil
לַ/מְּלָכִ֛ים
melek
H4428
King's
Prep | N-mp
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
נָתַ֥תָּה
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
עָלֵ֖י/נוּ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
בְּ/חַטֹּאותֵ֑י/נוּ
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2403
sin
Prep | N-fp | Suff
וְ/עַ֣ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
גְּ֠וִיֹּתֵי/נוּ
gᵉvîyâh
H1472
body
N-fp | Suff
מֹשְׁלִ֤ים
mâshal
H4910
to rule
V-Qal
וּ/בִ/בְהֶמְתֵּ֨/נוּ֙
bᵉhêmâh
H929
animal
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
כִּ/רְצוֹנָ֔/ם
râtsôwn
H7522
acceptance
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וּ/בְ/צָרָ֥ה
tsârâh
H6869
dearth
Conj | Prep | N-fs
גְדוֹלָ֖ה
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Adj
אֲנָֽחְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
we
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 9:37
וּ/תְבוּאָתָ֣/הּ
tᵉbûwʼâh
H8393
"produce"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
This word means produce or income, referring to crops, revenue, or even the product of our lips. It is translated as fruit, gain, or revenue in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) produce, product, revenue 1a) product, yield, crops (of the earth usually) 1b) income, revenue 1c) gain (of wisdom) (fig) 1d) product of lips (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: fruit, gain, increase, revenue. See also: Genesis 47:24; 2 Kings 8:6; Psalms 107:37.
מַרְבָּ֗ה
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
V-Hiphil
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
לַ/מְּלָכִ֛ים
melek
H4428
"King's"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
נָתַ֥תָּה
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
עָלֵ֖י/נוּ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
בְּ/חַטֹּאותֵ֑י/נוּ
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2403
"sin"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
This word describes sin, guilt, or punishment for sin, and also the sacrifice or purification made to atone for it. It is used in the Bible to describe the consequences and solutions for sin. The KJV translates it as 'punishment' or 'sin'.
Definition: sin, sinful thing
Usage: Occurs in 270 OT verses. KJV: punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering). See also: Genesis 4:7; Numbers 12:11; Psalms 25:7.
וְ/עַ֣ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
גְּ֠וִיֹּתֵי/נוּ
gᵉvîyâh
H1472
"body"
N-fp | Suff
This Hebrew term means a body, either living or dead. It can describe a corpse or a carcass, emphasizing the physical nature of the body.
Definition: 1) a body (of living creatures) 2) a corpse, carcass, dead body
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: (dead) body, carcase, corpse. See also: Genesis 47:18; Nehemiah 9:37; Psalms 110:6.
מֹשְׁלִ֤ים
mâshal
H4910
"to rule"
V-Qal
To rule means to have power over something or someone, like a king ruling his kingdom, as seen in 1 Samuel. It involves having control and making decisions, like a leader guiding their people. In the Bible, God rules over all things.
Definition: 1) to rule, have dominion, reign 1a) (Qal) to rule, have dominion 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rule 1b2) to exercise dominion
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (have, make to have) dominion, governor, [idiom] indeed, reign, (bear, cause to, have) rule(-ing, -r), have power. See also: Genesis 1:18; Proverbs 16:32; Psalms 8:7.
וּ/בִ/בְהֶמְתֵּ֨/נוּ֙
bᵉhêmâh
H929
"animal"
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
This word refers to animals, especially large quadruped mammals. It's used in the Bible to describe livestock, wild beasts, and other creatures. It appears in stories of creation, farming, and wildlife.
Definition: 1) beast, cattle, animal 1a) beasts (coll of all animals) 1b) cattle, livestock (of domestic animals) 1c) wild beasts
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beast, cattle. See also: Genesis 1:24; Deuteronomy 28:11; Psalms 8:8.
כִּ/רְצוֹנָ֔/ם
râtsôwn
H7522
"acceptance"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to acceptance or delight, often used to describe God's pleasure or favor. It appears in Psalms and Isaiah, highlighting God's goodwill towards us. This word is about taking pleasure in something.
Definition: 1) pleasure, delight, favour, goodwill, acceptance, will 1a) goodwill, favour 1b) acceptance 1c) will, desire, pleasure, self-will
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: (be) acceptable(-ance, -ed), delight, desire, favour, (good) pleasure, (own, self, voluntary) will, as...(what) would. See also: Genesis 49:6; Psalms 145:16; Psalms 5:13.
וּ/בְ/צָרָ֥ה
tsârâh
H6869
"dearth"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
A vexer is someone who causes trouble or distress, like a rival wife, used in the Bible to describe relationships or situations that cause anguish or affliction, as seen in the book of Genesis.
Definition: death, destitution
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: adversary, adversity, affliction, anguish, distress, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 35:3; Psalms 116:3; Psalms 9:10.
גְדוֹלָ֖ה
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
אֲנָֽחְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
"we"
Pron
A Hebrew word for we or us, used for emphasis, like when Moses said we will follow God's commands, emphasizing the community's commitment.
Definition: we (first pers. pl. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: ourselves, us, we. See also: Genesis 13:8; 1 Chronicles 11:1; Psalms 20:8.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 9:37
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 9:37 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 9:37
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 9:37
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:37
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:37
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:37
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:37
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 9:37
- Sermons on Nehemiah 9:37
Context — The People Confess Their Sins
35For even while they were in their kingdom, with the abundant goodness that You had given them, and in the spacious and fertile land that You had set before them, they would not serve You or turn from their wicked ways.
36So here we are today as slaves in the land You gave our fathers to enjoy its fruit and goodness— here we are as slaves!
37Its abundant harvest goes to the kings You have set over us because of our sins. And they rule over our bodies and our livestock as they please. We are in great distress.
38In view of all this, we make a binding agreement, putting it in writing and sealing it with the names of our leaders, Levites, and priests.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 28:33 | A people you do not know will eat the produce of your land and of all your toil. All your days you will be oppressed and crushed. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 28:48 | you will serve your enemies the LORD will send against you in famine, thirst, nakedness, and destitution. He will place an iron yoke on your neck until He has destroyed you. |
| 3 | Ezra 7:24 | And be advised that you have no authority to impose tribute, duty, or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants, or other servants of this house of God. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 28:51 | They will eat the offspring of your livestock and the produce of your land until you are destroyed. They will leave you no grain or new wine or oil, no calves of your herds or lambs of your flocks, until they have caused you to perish. |
| 5 | Ezra 6:8 | I hereby decree what you must do for these elders of the Jews who are rebuilding this house of God: The cost is to be paid in full to these men from the royal treasury out of the taxes of the provinces west of the Euphrates, so that the work will not be hindered. |
| 6 | John 8:33 | “We are Abraham’s descendants,” they answered. “We have never been slaves to anyone. How can You say we will be set free?” |
| 7 | Ezra 4:13 | Let it now be known to the king that if that city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, they will not pay tribute, duty, or toll, and the royal treasury will suffer. |
| 8 | Leviticus 26:17 | And I will set My face against you, so that you will be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee when no one pursues you. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 28:39 | You will plant and cultivate vineyards, but will neither drink the wine nor gather the grapes, because worms will eat them. |
| 10 | Nehemiah 5:8 | and said, “We have done our best to buy back our Jewish brothers who were sold to foreigners, but now you are selling your own brothers, that they may be sold back to us!” But they remained silent, for they could find nothing to say. |
Nehemiah 9:37 Summary
This verse is saying that because of the people's sins, they were under the control of foreign kings who took their crops and ruled over them as they pleased. This is similar to what happened in the book of Exodus, where the Israelites were enslaved by the Egyptians (Exodus 1:13-14). The people were in great distress, but this was a result of their own disobedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:15. The good news is that God is always willing to forgive and restore us when we turn to Him, as seen in 1 John 1:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the verse say that the kings were set over the people because of their sins?
This is because the Bible teaches that sin leads to bondage and oppression, as seen in Leviticus 26:17 and Deuteronomy 28:15, and the people's disobedience led to their subjugation under foreign rulers.
What does it mean that the kings rule over their bodies and livestock as they please?
This refers to the absolute control and dominance the foreign rulers had over every aspect of the people's lives, similar to the descriptions in Exodus 1:13-14, where the Israelites were enslaved and mistreated by the Egyptians.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
The verse acknowledges that even the foreign kings were appointed by God, as stated in Romans 13:1, highlighting God's sovereignty over all nations and rulers, and that He uses them to accomplish His purposes, even in times of judgment and discipline.
What is the significance of the people being in great distress?
The distress mentioned in this verse is a result of the people's sin and rebellion against God, as seen in 2 Chronicles 7:14, and it serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of their need for God's mercy and forgiveness.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I have allowed sin to lead to bondage and oppression, and how can I seek God's freedom and redemption?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with difficult circumstances or unjust rulers, and what does this mean for my daily life?
- In what ways can I, like the Israelites, acknowledge my sins and take responsibility for my actions, and what steps can I take towards repentance and restoration?
- How can I, in my own life, distinguish between the consequences of my sin and the sovereign will of God, and what role does faith and trust play in this process?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 9:37
And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us, because of our sins,.... Though a very fruitful land, and brought forth much, yet not for them, but for foreign kings, that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 9:37
And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:37
We plough, and sow, and labour, and thou givest thy blessing to our endeavours; and yet in a great measure this is not for ourselves, as formerly it was, but for our kings, to whom we pay great and heavy tributes for these things; of which see 7:24. They have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle; pressing or forcing both us and our beasts to go and do what they please.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:37
Nehemiah 9:37 And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we [are] in great distress.Ver. 37. And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings] As this land once did unto the king of locusts; when it was styled the pope’ s hortus deliciarum, garden of delights, out of which he could fetch what money or anything else he pleased, so long as he could hold a pen in his hand. In the year 720, John, king of West Saxons, caused in all his dominion, in every house having a chimney, a penny to be collected and paid to the bishop of Rome, in the name of St Peter; and thereof were they called Peter pence. These continued till Henry VIII’ s time; who, in his protestation against the pope, speaketh thus: England is no more a babe; there is no man here but now he knows that they do foolishly that give gold for lead, more weight of that than they receive of this, &c. Also they have dominion] At their pleasure] Their will was a law; which to argue or debate was high misdemeanour; to detract or disobey, present death.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:37
(37) Yieldeth much increase.—In money and kind a very large amount was sent by Syria to the Persian treasury. Over our bodies, and over our cattle.—For military service; but the priests do not omit themselves. In great distress.—Not so much under the Persian yoke as in the remembrance of God’s judgments. The pathetic comparison between the Divine purpose in giving the land originally and their present bondage in it extends almost to every word.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:37
Verse 37. It yieldeth much increase unto the kings] Good and fruitful as the land is, yet it profits us little; as the chief profits on all things go to the kings of Persia. Over our bodies] Exacting personal and feudal services from us, and from our cattle; and this not by any fixed rate, or rule, of so much rent, so much labour, or boons; but at their pleasure; so that we can neither call our persons, our time, our land, nor our cattle, our own: therefore we are in great distress. Miserable are the people that live under such a government. Think of this, ye Britons! think of your liberties and rights. Compare them with any other nation under heaven, and see what a balance is in your favour. Almost all the nations of the earth acknowledge Britons the most happy of all men. May I not say, O fortunatos nimium, sua si bona norint! "How exceedingly happy would you be, could you but consider your many advantages!"
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 9:37
37. yieldeth much increase] Literally ‘its produce it maketh in abundance.’ The allusion is to the pressure of the tribute exacted for the Persian revenue. Cf. Nehemiah 5:4. See Rawlinson’s Ancient Monarchies, vol. III., pp. 421–423. ‘Besides money payments ‘a payment … had to be made in kind, each province being required to furnish that commodity, or those commodities, for which it was most celebrated.… While the claims of the crown upon its subjects were definite and could not be exceeded, the satrap was at liberty to make any exactions that he pleased beyond them.… Like a Roman proconsul, he was to pay himself out of the pockets of his subjects; and, like that class of persons, he took care to pay himself highly.’ dominion] R.V. authority. Cf. Deuteronomy 28:33, ‘The fruit of thy ground, and all thy labours shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up.’ Isaiah 26:13, ‘O Lord our God, other lords beside thee have had dominion over us.’ we are in great distress] We must remember that this language of complaint at the severity of the foreign rule and exactions is not the utterance of Nehemiah the king’s minister. This portion of the book is not Nehemiah’s writing. The words are spoken not by Nehemiah but by Ezra, or by the Levites. The contents of chap. 5 show that the effects of the foreign taxation upon the condition of the middle and lower classes were felt very acutely.
Sermons on Nehemiah 9:37
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The Mountain Made a Plain by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the spiritual significance of Zerubbabel's completion of the temple, drawing parallels between the obstacles faced in rebuilding the physical temple and |
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Superficial Faith by Charles Leiter | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of superficial faith and its implications. He emphasizes that it is possible for someone to believe in Jesus Christ and still end |
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Heredity - Part 3 by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of glory and its connection to God's intentions for humanity. The preacher explains that sin led to the introduction of hereditar |
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Heredity - Part 2 by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of moving away from pampered western conditioning and returning to a primitive state where the spirit of God can work. He men |
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Not Our Own—bought With a Price by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the importance of surrendering to God, emphasizing that believers are not their own but bought with a price, the precious blood of Jesus Christ. He chal |
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Some Queries and Considerations Proposed to the Cavaliers by Isaac Penington | Greek Word Studies delves into the significance of the term 'patriarch' in Scripture, highlighting the role of important male ancestors as heads of families or tribes, such as Abra |
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John 8:31-46 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of enduring in God's word to become true disciples, emphasizing the need to be deeply rooted in God's teachings to withstand trials an |