Definition: Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, [that is], twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 5:14. It’s a really important statement about leadership and obedience! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Nehemiah is saying that from the moment he was appointed to lead the people of Judah – roughly twelve years into Artaxerxes’ rule – until the time he was officially removed from that role , he and his team never ate the food provided by the king. Let's unpack it: “Nehemiah 5:14” : This is a specific verse within a larger story about rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. “Moreover…” : This word means “in addition” or “besides.” It’s an explanation. “I and my brethren…” : This refers to Nehemiah's team – his leadership group. "My brethren" means his family and helpers. “…from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king…” : This tells us exactly when this rule began. Artaxerxes was King of Persia, and he ruled over Judea (the land where Jerusalem is located). So, Nehemiah’s leadership started about 20 years before Artaxerxes' reign. “[that is], twelve years…” : This is the key part! He led for twelve years . This is a significant amount of time – it was a long period of responsibility and trust. “I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.” : This means that Nehemiah and his team never took food from the king’s table or kitchen. They refused to eat anything he provided. What's the Significance? This story is a reminder of several important truths: Trusting Leadership: It highlights that Nehemiah was expected to be obedient to God's leadership, even when it wasn't easy. He was trusted with a huge responsibility and had to follow his instructions without question. Responsibility & Obedience: It shows the importance of obeying authority – even when it’s difficult or unpopular. It emphasizes that leaders must act in accordance with what is right and just, as God commands. In short, this verse tells us about Nehemiah's unwavering commitment to follow God's plan, even through a challenging period of leadership. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the story? Connect this verse to a specific biblical theme (like obedience or justice)?