Nehemiah 12:1-47

12:1-26 | These verses serve as a generational roll call of the priests and Levites who had served from the time of Zerubbabel (the return of the first exiles) up to Nehemiah’s day. This suggests the importance of appreciating the heritage that others have provided for us.

12:24 | At the dedication of the rebuilt walls, Nehemiah appointed two large thanksgiving choirs made up of Levites having both musical skills and grateful souls. These were apparently antiphonal choirs (group alternating with group), echoing each other’s lines in the psalms they sang and recited.

12:27-43 | The Bible links the spirit of grateful praise with the victorious Christian life (2 Chron. 31:2; 1 Cor. 15:57; 2 Cor. 2:14). This dedication was not just a celebration of the completion of a project but the beginning of a new way of life – now the people were dedicating themselves as the people of God. Priests, people, gates, and walls were all purified.

12:31-42 | The two thanksgiving choirs were each followed by half of the people. These groups led by Ezra and Nehemiah respectively – took opposite routes around the walls to meet at the temple, surrounding the city with praise.

12:44-47 | A pattern of obedience and covenantal living was instilled in the everyday life of the people – favorable, stable conditions comparable to those of the time of David, Solomon, and Asaph.