John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Nehemiah 12:31
Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall ,.... Which was so broad as to walk upon it, and there was a procession of the princes on it at its dedication, and here is described the manner of it; the princes of Benjamin must be included here: and appointed two great companies of them that gave thanks ; he divided the people who were met together to praise God on this occasion into two companies: whereof one went on the right hand upon the wall ; that is, on the southern part... read more
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Nehemiah 12:27-43
We have read of the building of the wall of Jerusalem with a great deal of fear and trembling; we have here an account of the dedicating of it with a great deal of joy and triumph. Those that sow in tears shall thus reap. I. We must enquire what was the meaning of this dedication of the wall; we will suppose it to include the dedication of the city too (continens pro contento?the thing containing for the thing contained), and therefore it was not done till the city was pretty well replenished,... read more