15. But the former governors lived at the expense of the people and took from them food and wine, besides forty shekels of silver [a large monthly official salary]; yes, even their servants assumed authority over the people. But I did not so because of my [reverent] fear of God.
16. I also held fast to the work on this wall; and we bought no land. And all my servants were gathered there for the work.
17. And there were at my table 150 Jews and officials, besides those who came to us from the nations about us.
18. Now these were prepared for each day: one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days a store of all sorts of wine. Yet for all this, I did not demand [my rights] the food allowed me as governor, for the [tribute] bondage was heavy upon this people.
19. O my God, [earnestly] remember me for good for all I have done for this people. [Heb. 6:10.]