In this chapter, Nehemiah identifies the priests, Levites, and family leaders who returned from Babylon (location of the Israelite’s exile) to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel and Jeshua, the high priest. Let’s pick up the text after the extensive list of names and begin with the dedication of Jerusalem’s wall.
Dedication of Jerusalem’s Wall
“During the dedication of the new wall of Jerusalem, the Levites throughout the land were asked to come to Jerusalem to assist in the ceremonies. They were to take part in the joyous occasion with their songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, lyres, and harps. The singers were brought together from Jerusalem and its surrounding villages and from the villages of the Netophathites. They also came from Beth-gilgal and the area of Geba and Azmaveth, for the singers had built their own villages around Jerusalem. The priests and Levites first dedicated themselves, then the people, the gates, and the wall.” (Nehemiah 12:27-30)
Nehemiah then organized two large choirs to march along the wall, each going in separate directions, to give thanks to the Lord. (Yes, Nehemiah!) The rest of the chapter describes the details of the procession.
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Thank you for spiritual leaders. Help us become the leaders you want us to be. We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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