15. But the former governors who were before me laid burdens on the people, and took from them bread and wine, besides forty sheqels of silver. Their servants also oppressed the people, but I did not do so, because of the fear of Elohim.
16. And I also applied myself to the work on this wall. We did not buy any land. And all my servants were gathered there for the work.
17. And at my table were one hundred and fifty of the Yehuḏim and deputy rulers, besides those who came to us from the nations around us.
18. And that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep, and birds were prepared for me, and once every ten days plenty of all kinds of wine. And in spite of this I did not seek the governor’s food, because the bondage was heavy on this people.
19. O my Elohim, remember me for the good – all that I have done for this people.