12 They responded, “We will return these things and require nothing more from them.t We will do as you say.”

So I summoned the priests and made everyone take an oathu to do this. 13 I also shook the folds of my robe and said, “May God likewise shake from his house and property everyone who doesn’t keep this promise. May he be shaken outv and have nothing!”

The whole assembly said, “Amen,” and they praised the Lord. Then the people did as they had promised.w

GOOD AND BAD GOVERNORS

14 Furthermore, from the day King Artaxerxesx appointed me to be their governor in the land of Judah—from the twentieth year until his thirty-second year, twelve yearsy—I and my associates never ate from the food allotted to the governor. 15 The governorsz who preceded me had heavily burdened the people, taking from them food and wine as well as a poundH of silver. Their subordinates also oppressed the people, but because of the fear of God, I didn’t do this.a 16 Instead, I devoted myself to the construction of this wall,b and all my subordinates were gathered there for the work. We didn’t buy any land.c

17 There were 150 Jews and officials, as well as guests from the surrounding nations at my table.d 18 EachA day, one ox, six choice sheep, and some fowl were prepared for me. An abundance of all kinds of wine was provided every ten days.e But I didn’t demand the food allotted to the governor, because the burden on the people was so heavy.

19 Remember me favorably, my God, for all that I have done for this people.f