It was the king's commandment, &c. That is, as it is generally thought, the commandment of the king of Persia, who, out of his great munificence, gave it for their better support, it being common in all countries to have a particular regard for those who sung hymns in praise of their gods. Houbigant renders the words, was at the king's hand, in the next verse, was the king's minister.
Related Commentaries of Nehemiah 11:23
Nehemiah 11:23
23 For it was the king's commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day.