John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Nehemiah 12:27
And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem ,.... In which many priests and Levites assisted, and seems to be the reason of the above account of them; the dedication of the wall takes in the whole city, gates, and houses, Nehemiah 12:30 , and if a new house was to be dedicated, much more a new city, and especially the holy city, in which stood the temple of the Lord, see Deuteronomy 20:5 , this dedication was made by prayer and songs of praise, as follow, and no doubt by sacrifices,... 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