12:31 Then {i} I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and appointed two great [companies of them that gave] thanks, [whereof one] went on the right hand upon the wall toward the dung gate:(i) Meaning, Nehemiah. read more
PRIESTS AND LEVITES (vv. 1-26) In these verses God sees fit to list the names of the priests and Levites who came to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel in the first return for the rebuilding of the city. Ezra refers to these in chapter 2 of his book, but God is concerned to express His own approval of every individual who is exercised to help in recovery of the testimony of His truth in times when failure has resulted in general apathy. The priests are listed first (vv. 10-7) and the Levites in... read more
INTERNAL REGULATIONS A NEW GENEALOGICAL RECORD (Nehemiah 7:0 ) The need for this assignment of duty to the two men named (Nehemiah 7:2 ), is not apparent unless Nehemiah contemplated a return to Persia. Later it will be seen that such return took place, but whether at this time or not, is not clear. To “fear God above many,” as Hananiah did, is a great commendation. It was customary to open the gates of a city at sunrise, but to do so in this case before the inhabitants were well awake and... read more
Nehemiah 12:0 [This chapter is made up of two portions. From Rev Neh 12:1-26 it mainly consists of lists of the leading priests and Levites at different periods. At verse 27 Nehemiah commences to give an account of the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem. It seems strange (Speaker's Commentary) that the wall should not have been dedicated immediately after its completion. But the nexus of the remainder of this chapter with the next, and the date given in chap.Revelation 13:6; Revelation 13:6 ... read more
Nehemiah had very largely described, in the former part of his book, the labours in building the wall; and therefore he will not pass over the dedication of it. The account is truly interesting. And as he himself, though governor, took an active part in the service, it is no wonder that all ranks and orders of the people joined in the festivity. The joy was so great, that their voices and musical instruments were heard afar off. But Reader! think what joy of soul that will be, when the Lord... read more
Choirs. This is not expressed in Hebrew and Septuagint, but must be understood. Protestants, "great companies of them that gave thanks. Whereof one went." (Haydock) --- The princes led the way, then the priests sounded the trumpets, (Numbers x. 8.) the Levites sung, and were followed by the people. All were divided into two equal parts, and went round half the city. (Calmet) --- They set out from the dunghill-gate, on the west, and proceeded to the watch-gate, on the east, ver. 38.... read more
27-43 All our cities, all our houses, must have holiness to the Lord written upon them. The believer should undertake nothing which he does not dedicate to the Lord. We are concerned to cleanse our hands, and purify our hearts, when any work for God is to pass through them. Those that would be employed to sanctify others, must sanctify themselves, and set themselves apart for God. To those who are sanctified, all their creature-comforts and enjoyments are made holy. The people greatly rejoiced.... read more
Nehemiah 12 THE FIRST 26 verses are occupied with further genealogical records, going back to the days of Zerubbabel and Jeshua the high priest. In verse Neh_12:10 , we learn that a grandson of Jeshua was Eliashib, who presently became high priest, and who had a son named, Joiada. These two are again mentioned in verse Neh_12:22 , and more concerning them appears in Nehemiah 13.0 . In the remaining verses of the chapter, though many names are mentioned, it is not a matter of genealogy but... read more
The Walls Dedicated v. 27. And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, at the formal celebration following its completion, they sought the Levites out of all their places, since they were scattered throughout the province, Nehemiah 11:20-Zephaniah :, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps, with psalms of praise accompanied by instruments, as used in the Temple orchestra. v. 28.... read more
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Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Nehemiah 12:1-47
CHAPTER 12 1. Priests and Levites at the time of the return under Zerubbabel and Joshua (Nehemiah 12:1-9 ) 2. The descendants of Joshua, the high priest (Nehemiah 12:10-11 ) 3. The heads of the priestly houses in the time of Joiakim (Nehemiah 12:12-21 ) 4. Heads of Levitical houses (Nehemiah 12:22-26 ) 5. The dedication of the walls (Nehemiah 12:27-43 ) 6. Provisions for the priests and Levites, and other temple officials (Nehemiah 12:44-47 ) Nehemiah 12:1-9 . The names of the... read more