15The former governors who were before me laid heavy burdens on the people and took from them for their daily ration forty shekels of silver. Even their servants lorded it over the people. But I did not do so, because of the fear of God.
These words contrast Nehemiah’s conduct as governor with that of his predecessors and their underlings. While they milked the population to indulge themselves, Nehemiah abstained from such conduct throughout his twelve-year governorship.
15 The former governors who were before me laid heavy burdens on the people and took from them for their daily ration forty shekels of silver. Even their servants lorded it over the people. But I did not do so, because of the fear of God.