Nehemiah 9:37
And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress. And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.
The chapter rehearses what the Lord had done for His people and lays bare their sin in turning away from Him. The verse stands within a confession in which the people acknowledge their sins and seek pardon, while their leaders humble themselves before God and confess the sins of the people as if they themselves were the offenders. Because of their sins the people were left subject to foreign kings, so that the abundant increase of the land went to enrich those rulers set over them, who held dominion over their bodies and over their cattle at their own pleasure, and the people were in great distress.
Those sins had separated them from God, and because He would not join Himself to their sins He permitted them to be brought under the control of heathen nations. That abandonment left them powerless and confused and captive and in great distress. God does not work through those who refuse to serve Him with singleness of purpose and corrupt their ways before Him, but He works through one who honors Him, as He worked through Nehemiah.
This subjection gathers up a history of receiving God's favor yet failing to honor Him. That same pattern is paralleled by a later people who likewise were greatly favored yet did not appreciate it.