John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Nehemiah 12:36
And his brethren ,.... The brethren of Zechariah, the priest's son, and such are those that follow: Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God ; which were invented by him, and ordered by him to be used in religious service, under the divine direction: and Ezra the scribe before them ; for he being a priest also, and a man of great eminence, was placed at the head of them in this procession. 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