Nehemiah 5:14

I was appointed. — That he appointed me, viz., Artaxerxes.

Twelve years. — The whole narrative, thus far, was written after his return from Jerusalem, and on a review of his governorship; hence, “their governor in the land of Judah.” Of his second appointment the same thing might have been said: but that, at the time of writing, was in the future.

I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor. — At the close of the twelve years’ term, Nehemiah could say that he and his official attendants had not drawn the customary allowances from the people.