And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them [was] Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office [was] to distribute unto their brethren.
Ver. 13. And I made treasurers] Nehemiah left nothing undone that might befit a vigilant and valiant governor. He was omnibus numeris absolutus, every way complete.
For they were counted faithful] A singular praise in persons intrusted, 1Co 4:2 Neh 7:2 Numbers 12:7. Such men as these are now gone in pilgrimage (as one saith), and their return is altogether uncertain. When one desired to see Alexander's treasures, he showed him not his wealth, but his friends. Nehemiah might have done the like by these faithful treasurers, precious pieces surely, rare and rich jewels.
And their office was] Heb. It was upon them. Duty is a debt, which, till it be discharged, a good heart cannot rest.
To distribute unto their brethren] To a treasure are required, 1. A laying in; 2. A lying hid; 3. A drawing out: so to a treasurer, that he receive readily, keep carefully, distribute prudently.