Nehemiah 12:40–47

The Levites' role in the dedication of the walls

The two choirs that gave thanks then took their places in the house of God; so did I, together with half the officials, 41 as well as the priests—Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah and Hananiah with their trumpets—42 and also Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malkijah, Elam and Ezer. The choirs sang under the direction of Jezrahiah. 43 And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.

44 At that time men were appointed to be in charge of the storerooms for the contributions, firstfruits and tithes. From the fields around the towns they were to bring into the storerooms the portions required by the Law for the priests and the Levites, for Judah was pleased with the ministering priests and Levites. 45 They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, as did also the singers and gatekeepers, according to the commands of David and his son Solomon. 46 For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there had been directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. 47 So in the days of Zerubbabel and of Nehemiah, all Israel contributed the daily portions for the singers and gatekeepers. They also set aside the portion for the other Levites, and the Levites set aside the portion for the descendants of Aaron.

The celebration began somewhere on the western wall of the city, probably at the Valley Gate. Ezra led one choir and procession counterclockwise around the city along the west, south, and east walls of the city. Nehemiah accompanied the other choir in procession clockwise along the west and north walls of the city.

The two groups met at the temple in the northeast corner of the city for the special dedication service. (See the map entitled “Nehemiah’s Jerusalem,” below, to review the location of some of the city landmarks.) The celebrants had “purified” themselves. Such ceremonial cleansing could include fasting, washing, and abstention from sex (Exodus 19:10-15; 1 Samuel 7:6). The sacrifices and music added to this special occasion. The joy of having Jerusalem restored at last made the dedication ceremony a day to be long remembered.

The enthusiasm generated by the celebration spilled over. The people gladly increased their support for the temple, and the priests and Levites carried out their duties with a renewed diligence. Both the people and the priests were conscious of carrying on the traditions established in Israel’s glory days during the reigns of David and Solomon. Asaph was music director under David and Solomon; a dozen psalms are attributed to him.

Now it seemed that Israel was entering a new golden age, at least in spiritual strength. But the next chapter shows that the bright happiness of this day soon faded away.