Nehemiah 5:14-19 THE FEAR OF GOD The account of Nehemiah's work was likely written quite some time after the events that are recorded in this narrative. These particular events are given to establish an accurate historical record for the benefit of those who lived after the time they took place, and also to give important lessons to those all down through the centuries. Leadership has to be properly practiced in order to be authentic. Such lessons need to be precise and understanding in order to be well learned.
Nehemiah must have returned to report to king Artaxerxes all that he had been doing in the building of the wall and the city. Then the king sent him back as governor of Judah for at least twelve years. His leadership ability was obvious, so in order to establish and maintain the orderly conduct of those under his authority, he acted in a way that was acceptable to those whose authority he was under.
We learn some things only when we have actually practiced them, not just because we have studied them or read about them in a book. Nehemiah had calluses from working with his hands in the building project along with those he led and likely from farming to be able "to provide for his own." Taxation that is fair or unfair is still a source of complaint among people. Nehemiah had the right to take from the people the provisions they needed to maintain him while he governed the province of Judah. The governors who were before him had taken what they deemed right and likely enough to make them wealthier than they were when they took the "government job." There seemed to be resentment against the government officials because their demands had impoverished the citizens.
When leading people we must be able to sense their attitudes as well as listen to their voices. "Having food and raiment let us be therewith content," applies to leaders as well as to those they lead. It applies to the rich as well as the poor. It is one of the ways those who are wealthy can help the poor and gain their confidence, respect and loyalty. Nehemiah could honestly say, "So did not I," and the people of Judah knew he spoke the truth. He was able to distance himself from the unjust practices of those who were governors before him because he was motivated "because of the fear of God."
Reverential fear of divine Persons is not a negative response and attitude, but a positive one. It indicates respect for the Person when we give honor to the Lord as well as honor to those who are due honor. This attitude keeps us from exalting ourselves in pride. By an awareness and acknowledgement of the holiness of God, we are motivated to obey Him and look upon people and things through His eyes. That in turn opens the eyes of our understanding. True fear of God is not just manifest in the words we say and how we speak them, but our actions will also demonstrate the reality of our words. Wisdom and grace in deeds are as important as words of wisdom and grace. God's people usually respond in positive ways to a leader whose fear of God is real. They usually will seek to emulate one they know who is in fellowship with God, because they know the role he has been given to fulfill, is consistent with the word of God.
"Give and it shall be given unto you," is a principle that works. Accumulating wealth at the expense of other people who grudgingly give what is demanded, is contrasted by the faith-actions of a "cheerful (hilarious) giver." Nehemiah financed the people who served him as well as meeting his own needs - and he had enough left over to meet the needs of others who came to him as visitors. As a man who knew his people, he likely met needs of those who were poor with daily beef, mutton and the meat of birds provided freely to them at his expense.
Those who lead God's people and labor for the Lord do not have to ask for help when they are exercised to live by faith. They learn that "in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." The Lord knows our needs and He is able from the bounty of His own storehouse to provide all we need. The example of mature believers who have experienced God at work on their behalf, is the best way to teach godly, practical Christian living to those who look for spiritual guidance in life.
The parenthetical incident was put in this place in the narrative likely because it illustrated the right attitude and actions of the Lord's people in contrast to the incident that proceeded in this chapter. It is right that we seek God's approval upon our labors and attitudes as we serve Him. Any service for the well-being of the Lord's people can, and should be done for the glory of God and the blessing of others. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.