1)
How were they heavy on the nation?
1.
Rashi: They imposed a great tax on them.
2.
Ibn Ezra: They put a heavy yoke or burden on them. The word Ol or Masa is omitted.
3.
Malbim: The first Pachos imposed expenses on the people, e.g. bread and wine. Those before Nechemyah additionally collected taxes. "Achar" means that a different Pecham took Shekalim. Or, afterwards the Pachos took money.
2)
How often did the earlier Pachos take bread, wine and 40 Shekalim?
1.
Rashi: Every year.
2.
Ralbag: It was every year, every month or every week. Every week is primary.
3)
Whose Ne'arim ruled over the nation?
1.
Rashi: Those of the Pachos.
