Twelve years; not that he continued so long together at Jerusalem, of which see Nehemiah 2:6; but that he so long governed Jerusalem by himself when he was present, and in his absence by a deputy. I and my brethren; either my fellow officers, or they whom I left in my stead, who as they were to do any work, so might have required my rights. The bread of the governor, i.e. that allowance which by the laws of God and nations, and of the king of Persia, the governors might require for the maintenance of their own dignity and office, and of the public service.
Related Commentaries of Nehemiah 5:14
Nehemiah 5:14
14 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.