1 Now these are the priests and the Levites that went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

Shechaniah, Rehum, Meremoth,

Iddo, Ginnetho, Abijah,

Miamin, Maadiah, Bilgah,

Shemaiah, and Joiarib, Jedaiah,

Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, Jedaiah. These were the chief of the priests and of their brethren in the days of Jeshua.

Moreover the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, which was over the thanksgiving, he and his brethren.

Also Bakbukiah and Unni, their brethren, were over against them in the watches.

10 And Jeshua begat Joiakim, Joiakim also begat Eliashib, and Eliashib begat Joiada,

11 And Joiada begat Jonathan, and Jonathan begat Jaddua.

12 And in the days of Joiakim were priests, the chief of the fathers: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

13 Of Ezra, Meshullam; of Amariah, Jehohanan;

14 Of Melicu, Jonathan; of Shebaniah, Joseph;

15 Of Harim, Adna; of Meraioth, Helkai;

16 Of Iddo, Zechariah; of Ginnethon, Meshullam;

17 Of Abijah, Zichri; of Miniamin, of Moadiah, Piltai:

18 Of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;

19 And of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi;

20 Of Sallai, Kallai; of Amok, Eber;

21 Of Hilkiah, Hashabiah; of Jedaiah, Nethaneel.

22 The Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua, were recorded chief of the fathers: also the priests, to the reign of Darius the Persian.

23 The sons of Levi, the chief of the fathers, were written in the book of the chronicles, even until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib.

24 And the chief of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise and to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, ward over against ward.

25 Mattaniah, and Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub, were porters keeping the ward at the thresholds of the gates.

26 These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest, the scribe.

27 And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.

28 And the sons of the singers gathered themselves together, both out of the plain country round about Jerusalem, and from the villages of Netophathi;

29 Also from the house of Gilgal, and out of the fields of Geba and Azmaveth: for the singers had builded them villages round about Jerusalem.

30 And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, and the gates, and the wall.

31 Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and appointed two great companies of them that gave thanks, whereof one went on the right hand upon the wall toward the dung gate:

32 And after them went Hoshaiah, and half of the princes of Judah,

33 And Azariah, Ezra, and Meshullam,

34 Judah, and Benjamin, and Shemaiah, and Jeremiah,

35 And certain of the priests' sons with trumpets; namely, Zechariah the son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Michaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph:

36 And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.

37 And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward.

38 And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them, and I after them, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall;

39 And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.

40 So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the house of God, and I, and the half of the rulers with me:

41 And the priests; Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Michaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets;

42 And Maaseiah, and Shemaiah, and Eleazar, and Uzzi, and Jehohanan, and Malchijah, and Elam, and Ezer. And the singers sang loud, with Jezrahiah their overseer.

43 Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.

44 And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.

45 And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son.

46 For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.

47 And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion: and they sanctified holy things unto the Levites; and the Levites sanctified them unto the children of Aaron.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The priests and Levites that returned.
It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we should be.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Priests - The chief of the priests, the heads of those twenty four courses which David appointed by divine direction, 1Ch. 24:1-19. And whereas there were twenty four, and here but twenty - two, and (Nehemiah 12:12) , &c. only twenty, the reason of this difference may be, because two of the twenty four courses were extinct in Babylon, and two of the persons here named, (Nehemiah 12:2) , (Nehemiah 12:5) , Hattush, and Maadiah, may be omitted in the account of the posterity of these, (Nehemiah 12:12) , &c. because they had no posterity. Ezra - Either this was another Ezra, or if it were the same mentioned (Ezra 7:1) , he lived to a great age; which may well be supposed, considering his great sobriety, and his great piety to which God promised long life, and withal the special providence of God continuing him so long in such a season, wherein the church of God did greatly need his help and counsel.
McArther Bible Commentary
Originally there were twenty-four courses of priests, each course serving in the temple for a period of two weeks per year or for one month biannually (see 1Ch 24:1-20). Only four of those houses returned from Babylon (see Neh 7:39-42; Ezr 2:36-39), but these were divided into twenty-four courses of which twenty-two are listed here. Perhaps two are omitted because their families had become extinct, because no sons were born since the time Zerubbabel originally named them. This, then, is a selective rather than exhaustive listing of priests and Levites from the time of Zerubbabel and Jeshua, recording the key priests and Levites through three generations of high priests: (1) Jeshua who came in the initial return with Zerubbabel c. 538 B.C. (Neh 12:1-11); (2) Joiakim, the son of Jeshua (Neh 12:12-21); (3) Eliashib (cf. Neh 3:1), the son of Joiakim (Neh 12:22-23); and (4) a miscellaneous group who served in the days of Joiakim (Neh 12:24-26).
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:1 Ezra 3:2 Ezra 7:7 Nehemiah 11:36 Nehemiah 12:2

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The priests and Levites that returned.
It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we should be.
Bible Cross References
Nehemiah 12:1 Nehemiah 12:3

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The priests and Levites that returned.
It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we should be.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 3:21 Nehemiah 12:2 Nehemiah 12:4

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The priests and Levites that returned.
It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we should be.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 24:10 Nehemiah 12:3 Nehemiah 12:5 Zechariah 1:1

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The priests and Levites that returned.
It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we should be.
Bible Cross References
Nehemiah 12:4 Nehemiah 12:6

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The priests and Levites that returned.
It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we should be.
Bible Cross References
Nehemiah 12:5 Nehemiah 12:7

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The priests and Levites that returned.
It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we should be.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 18:18 Nehemiah 12:6 Nehemiah 12:8

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The priests and Levites that returned.
It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we should be.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Moreover, &c. - He was to see, that the psalms of thanksgiving were continually sung in the temple, in due time and manner.
Bible Cross References
Ezra 3:2 Nehemiah 12:7 Nehemiah 12:9

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The priests and Levites that returned.
It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we should be.
Bible Cross References
Nehemiah 12:8 Nehemiah 12:10 Nehemiah 12:24

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The priests and Levites that returned.
It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we should be.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Jeshua - Here follows a catalogue of the Jewish high - priests; which was the more necessary, because their times were now to be measured, not by the years of their kings as formerly, but by their high - priests.
McArther Bible Commentary
This record lists six generations of high priests beginning with Jeshua. The Jonathan of verse Neh 12:11 is the Johanan of verse Neh 12:22.
Bible Cross References
Nehemiah 12:9 Nehemiah 12:11

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The priests and Levites that returned.
It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we should be.
Bible Cross References
Nehemiah 12:10 Nehemiah 12:12

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The priests and Levites that returned.
It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we should be.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Priests - As their fathers were priests in the days of Joshua, so in the days of Joiakim the son of Joshua, the sons of those persons executed the priesthood in their father's steads, some of their fathers probably being yet living, and many of them dead.
McArther Bible Commentary
Each of the twenty-two families in verses Neh 12:1-7 is repeated, except one (cf. Hattush; Neh 12:2). Perhaps by the time of Joiakim's high priesthood, this family had become extinct, the fathers having no male offspring.
Bible Cross References
Nehemiah 12:11 Nehemiah 12:13

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The priests and Levites that returned.
It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we should be.
Bible Cross References
Nehemiah 12:12 Nehemiah 12:14

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The priests and Levites that returned.
It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we should be.
Bible Cross References
Nehemiah 12:13 Nehemiah 12:15

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The priests and Levites that returned.
It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we should be.
Bible Cross References
Nehemiah 12:14 Nehemiah 12:16

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The priests and Levites that returned.
It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we should be.
Bible Cross References
Nehemiah 12:15 Nehemiah 12:17 Zechariah 1:1

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The priests and Levites that returned.
It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we should be.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 6:21 Nehemiah 12:16 Nehemiah 12:18

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The priests and Levites that returned.
It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we should be.
Bible Cross References
Nehemiah 12:17 Nehemiah 12:19

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The priests and Levites that returned.
It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we should be.
Bible Cross References
Nehemiah 12:18 Nehemiah 12:20

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The priests and Levites that returned.
It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we should be.
Bible Cross References
Nehemiah 12:19 Nehemiah 12:21

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The priests and Levites that returned.
It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we should be.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 1:8 2 Kings 18:18 Nehemiah 12:20 Nehemiah 12:22

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The priests and Levites that returned.
It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we should be.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Darius - Darius Noehus; and so this Jaddua might be father to him who was in the days of Darius Codomanus, and of Alexander the Great.
McArther Bible Commentary
Darius the Persian. This refers to Darius II, c. 423-404 B.C.
Bible Cross References
Nehemiah 12:21 Nehemiah 12:23

Verse 23

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The priests and Levites that returned.
It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we should be.
McArther Bible Commentary
book of the chronicles. Lit. "were written on the scroll of the matters of the days." This involved precise genealogical records kept in the administrative archives of Judah.
Bible Cross References
Nehemiah 12:22 Nehemiah 12:24

Verse 24

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The priests and Levites that returned.
It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we should be.
Bible Cross References
2 Chronicles 8:14 Ezra 3:11 Nehemiah 11:17 Nehemiah 12:9 Nehemiah 12:23 Nehemiah 12:36

Verse 25

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The priests and Levites that returned.
It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we should be.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 7:10 1 Chronicles 26:15

Verse 26

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The priests and Levites that returned.
It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we should be.
Bible Cross References
2 Chronicles 9:26 Nehemiah 8:9

Verse 27

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The dedication of the wall.
All our cities, all our houses, must have holiness to the Lord written upon them. The believer should undertake nothing which he does not dedicate to the Lord. We are concerned to cleanse our hands, and purify our hearts, when any work for God is to pass through them. Those that would be employed to sanctify others, must sanctify themselves, and set themselves apart for God. To those who are sanctified, all their creature-comforts and enjoyments are made holy. The people greatly rejoiced. All that share in public mercies, ought to join in public thanksgivings.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The wall - Of the city itself, which is here dedicated to God, and to his honour and service, not only upon a general account, by which we ought to devote ourselves, and all that is ours, to God; but upon a more special ground, because this was a place which God himself had chosen, and sanctified by his temple and gracious presence, and therefore did of right belong to him; whence it is often called the holy city. And they restored it to God by this dedication, withal imploring the presence, and favour, and blessing of to this city by solemn prayers, and praises, and sacrifices, wherewith this dedication was accompanied. Places - To which they were now retired after that great and general assembly, chap. 8, 9, & 10. (Nehemiah 8:1) &c.
McArther Bible Commentary
the dedication of the wall. In the same manner marking the dedications of the temple in Solomon's day (2 Chr. 5-7) and the rebuilt temple several decades earlier (Ezr 6:16-18), the rebuilt walls were dedicated with the music of thanksgiving (most likely shortly after the events of ch. 9).
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 20:5 1 Kings 8:63 1 Chronicles 15:16 1 Chronicles 15:28 Psalm 92:3 Psalm 150:5

Verse 28

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The dedication of the wall.
All our cities, all our houses, must have holiness to the Lord written upon them. The believer should undertake nothing which he does not dedicate to the Lord. We are concerned to cleanse our hands, and purify our hearts, when any work for God is to pass through them. Those that would be employed to sanctify others, must sanctify themselves, and set themselves apart for God. To those who are sanctified, all their creature-comforts and enjoyments are made holy. The people greatly rejoiced. All that share in public mercies, ought to join in public thanksgivings.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 9:16 Nehemiah 3:22 Nehemiah 12:29 Nehemiah 13:10

Verse 29

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The dedication of the wall.
All our cities, all our houses, must have holiness to the Lord written upon them. The believer should undertake nothing which he does not dedicate to the Lord. We are concerned to cleanse our hands, and purify our hearts, when any work for God is to pass through them. Those that would be employed to sanctify others, must sanctify themselves, and set themselves apart for God. To those who are sanctified, all their creature-comforts and enjoyments are made holy. The people greatly rejoiced. All that share in public mercies, ought to join in public thanksgivings.
Bible Cross References
Nehemiah 12:28 Nehemiah 12:30 Nehemiah 13:10

Verse 30

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The dedication of the wall.
All our cities, all our houses, must have holiness to the Lord written upon them. The believer should undertake nothing which he does not dedicate to the Lord. We are concerned to cleanse our hands, and purify our hearts, when any work for God is to pass through them. Those that would be employed to sanctify others, must sanctify themselves, and set themselves apart for God. To those who are sanctified, all their creature-comforts and enjoyments are made holy. The people greatly rejoiced. All that share in public mercies, ought to join in public thanksgivings.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Purified themselves - They that would be instrumental to sanctify others, must sanctify themselves, and set themselves apart for God, with purity of mind and sincerity of intention.
McArther Bible Commentary
purified. See Lev 16:30 for the sense of moral purity in this symbolic act.
Bible Cross References
Nehemiah 12:29 Nehemiah 13:22 Nehemiah 13:30

Verse 31

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The dedication of the wall.
All our cities, all our houses, must have holiness to the Lord written upon them. The believer should undertake nothing which he does not dedicate to the Lord. We are concerned to cleanse our hands, and purify our hearts, when any work for God is to pass through them. Those that would be employed to sanctify others, must sanctify themselves, and set themselves apart for God. To those who are sanctified, all their creature-comforts and enjoyments are made holy. The people greatly rejoiced. All that share in public mercies, ought to join in public thanksgivings.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Princes - And half of the people with them. The wall - For the wall was broad and strong, and so ordered that men might conveniently walk upon it. Right hand - Towards the south and east.
McArther Bible Commentary
They probably assembled at the Valley Gate on the west. One of the choirs was led by Ezra (Neh 12:36), the other accompanied by Nehemiah (Neh 12:38). Moving in different directions (Neh 12:38), they assembled together in the temple area (Neh 12:40).
Bible Cross References
Nehemiah 2:13 Nehemiah 12:32 Nehemiah 12:38

Verse 32

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The dedication of the wall.
All our cities, all our houses, must have holiness to the Lord written upon them. The believer should undertake nothing which he does not dedicate to the Lord. We are concerned to cleanse our hands, and purify our hearts, when any work for God is to pass through them. Those that would be employed to sanctify others, must sanctify themselves, and set themselves apart for God. To those who are sanctified, all their creature-comforts and enjoyments are made holy. The people greatly rejoiced. All that share in public mercies, ought to join in public thanksgivings.
Bible Cross References
Nehemiah 12:31 Nehemiah 12:33

Verse 33

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The dedication of the wall.
All our cities, all our houses, must have holiness to the Lord written upon them. The believer should undertake nothing which he does not dedicate to the Lord. We are concerned to cleanse our hands, and purify our hearts, when any work for God is to pass through them. Those that would be employed to sanctify others, must sanctify themselves, and set themselves apart for God. To those who are sanctified, all their creature-comforts and enjoyments are made holy. The people greatly rejoiced. All that share in public mercies, ought to join in public thanksgivings.
Bible Cross References
Nehemiah 12:32 Nehemiah 12:34

Verse 34

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The dedication of the wall.
All our cities, all our houses, must have holiness to the Lord written upon them. The believer should undertake nothing which he does not dedicate to the Lord. We are concerned to cleanse our hands, and purify our hearts, when any work for God is to pass through them. Those that would be employed to sanctify others, must sanctify themselves, and set themselves apart for God. To those who are sanctified, all their creature-comforts and enjoyments are made holy. The people greatly rejoiced. All that share in public mercies, ought to join in public thanksgivings.
Bible Cross References
Nehemiah 12:33 Nehemiah 12:35

Verse 35

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The dedication of the wall.
All our cities, all our houses, must have holiness to the Lord written upon them. The believer should undertake nothing which he does not dedicate to the Lord. We are concerned to cleanse our hands, and purify our hearts, when any work for God is to pass through them. Those that would be employed to sanctify others, must sanctify themselves, and set themselves apart for God. To those who are sanctified, all their creature-comforts and enjoyments are made holy. The people greatly rejoiced. All that share in public mercies, ought to join in public thanksgivings.
Bible Cross References
Nehemiah 12:34 Nehemiah 12:36

Verse 36

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The dedication of the wall.
All our cities, all our houses, must have holiness to the Lord written upon them. The believer should undertake nothing which he does not dedicate to the Lord. We are concerned to cleanse our hands, and purify our hearts, when any work for God is to pass through them. Those that would be employed to sanctify others, must sanctify themselves, and set themselves apart for God. To those who are sanctified, all their creature-comforts and enjoyments are made holy. The people greatly rejoiced. All that share in public mercies, ought to join in public thanksgivings.
McArther Bible Commentary
the musical instruments of David. This phrase could refer to the same kind of instruments David's musicians used or the actual instruments constructed in David's time, now being used centuries later. Cf. 1Ch 15:16; 1Ch 23:5; 2Ch 29:26; Ezr 3:10. the man of God. See note on Deu 33:1; cf. Act 13:22.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 1:8 2 Chronicles 8:14 Nehemiah 12:24 Nehemiah 12:35

Verse 37

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The dedication of the wall.
All our cities, all our houses, must have holiness to the Lord written upon them. The believer should undertake nothing which he does not dedicate to the Lord. We are concerned to cleanse our hands, and purify our hearts, when any work for God is to pass through them. Those that would be employed to sanctify others, must sanctify themselves, and set themselves apart for God. To those who are sanctified, all their creature-comforts and enjoyments are made holy. The people greatly rejoiced. All that share in public mercies, ought to join in public thanksgivings.
McArther Bible Commentary
the Fountain Gate. See note on Neh 2:14. the Water Gate. See notes on Neh 3:26; cf. Neh 8:16.
Bible Cross References
Nehemiah 2:14 Nehemiah 3:15 Nehemiah 3:26

Verse 38

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The dedication of the wall.
All our cities, all our houses, must have holiness to the Lord written upon them. The believer should undertake nothing which he does not dedicate to the Lord. We are concerned to cleanse our hands, and purify our hearts, when any work for God is to pass through them. Those that would be employed to sanctify others, must sanctify themselves, and set themselves apart for God. To those who are sanctified, all their creature-comforts and enjoyments are made holy. The people greatly rejoiced. All that share in public mercies, ought to join in public thanksgivings.
McArther Bible Commentary
opposite way. This second choir marched clockwise to the north (cf. Neh 12:31). Tower of the Ovens. See note on Neh 3:11.
Bible Cross References
Nehemiah 3:8 Nehemiah 3:11 Nehemiah 12:31

Verse 39

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The dedication of the wall.
All our cities, all our houses, must have holiness to the Lord written upon them. The believer should undertake nothing which he does not dedicate to the Lord. We are concerned to cleanse our hands, and purify our hearts, when any work for God is to pass through them. Those that would be employed to sanctify others, must sanctify themselves, and set themselves apart for God. To those who are sanctified, all their creature-comforts and enjoyments are made holy. The people greatly rejoiced. All that share in public mercies, ought to join in public thanksgivings.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Stood still - Waiting, as also their brethren did, that they might go together in due order into God's house, there to perfect the solemnity.
McArther Bible Commentary
the Gate of Ephraim. See note on Neh 8:16. the Old Gate. See note on Neh 3:6. the Fish Gate. See note on Neh 3:3. the Tower of Hananel. See note on Neh 3:1. the Tower of the Hundred. See note on Neh 3:1. the Sheep Gate. See notes on Neh 3:1, Neh 3:32. the Gate of the Prison. Located in the northeast section of Jerusalem.
Bible Cross References
John 5:2 2 Kings 14:13 Nehemiah 3:1 Nehemiah 3:3 Nehemiah 3:6 Nehemiah 3:25 Nehemiah 3:32 Nehemiah 8:16 Nehemiah 12:40 Jeremiah 31:38 Zephaniah 1:10

Verse 40

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The dedication of the wall.
All our cities, all our houses, must have holiness to the Lord written upon them. The believer should undertake nothing which he does not dedicate to the Lord. We are concerned to cleanse our hands, and purify our hearts, when any work for God is to pass through them. Those that would be employed to sanctify others, must sanctify themselves, and set themselves apart for God. To those who are sanctified, all their creature-comforts and enjoyments are made holy. The people greatly rejoiced. All that share in public mercies, ought to join in public thanksgivings.
Bible Cross References
Ezra 3:11 Nehemiah 12:39 Nehemiah 12:41

Verse 41

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The dedication of the wall.
All our cities, all our houses, must have holiness to the Lord written upon them. The believer should undertake nothing which he does not dedicate to the Lord. We are concerned to cleanse our hands, and purify our hearts, when any work for God is to pass through them. Those that would be employed to sanctify others, must sanctify themselves, and set themselves apart for God. To those who are sanctified, all their creature-comforts and enjoyments are made holy. The people greatly rejoiced. All that share in public mercies, ought to join in public thanksgivings.
Bible Cross References
Nehemiah 12:40 Nehemiah 12:42

Verse 42

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The dedication of the wall.
All our cities, all our houses, must have holiness to the Lord written upon them. The believer should undertake nothing which he does not dedicate to the Lord. We are concerned to cleanse our hands, and purify our hearts, when any work for God is to pass through them. Those that would be employed to sanctify others, must sanctify themselves, and set themselves apart for God. To those who are sanctified, all their creature-comforts and enjoyments are made holy. The people greatly rejoiced. All that share in public mercies, ought to join in public thanksgivings.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 6:40 Nehemiah 12:41 Nehemiah 12:43

Verse 43

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The dedication of the wall.
All our cities, all our houses, must have holiness to the Lord written upon them. The believer should undertake nothing which he does not dedicate to the Lord. We are concerned to cleanse our hands, and purify our hearts, when any work for God is to pass through them. Those that would be employed to sanctify others, must sanctify themselves, and set themselves apart for God. To those who are sanctified, all their creature-comforts and enjoyments are made holy. The people greatly rejoiced. All that share in public mercies, ought to join in public thanksgivings.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The children rejoiced - And their hosanna's were not despised, but are recorded to their praise. All that share in public mercies, ought to join in public thanksgivings.
McArther Bible Commentary
for God had made them rejoice. The God of all joy (cf. 1Ch 12:40; Neh 8:10; Psa 16:11; Psa 33:1; Psa 43:4; Gal 5:22) activated their inner joy which brought corporate celebration. Though these may have been few and far between, moments like this characterized the life of obedience and blessing which God had set before Israel.
Bible Cross References
2 Chronicles 20:27 Nehemiah 12:42 Psalm 9:2 Psalm 92:4

Verse 44

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The officers of the temple settled.
When the solemnities of a thanksgiving day leave such impressions on ministers and people, that both are more careful and cheerful in doing their duty, they are indeed acceptable to the Lord, and turn to good account. And whatever we do, must be purified by the blood of sprinkling, and by the grace of the Holy Spirit, or it cannot be acceptable to God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Rejoiced - For the eminent gifts and graces which they observed in many of them: for the great benefit which they had now received by their ministry: and for the competent provision which hereby was made for them, that so they might wholly wait upon their office. The sure way for ministers to gain an interest, in the affections of their people, is to wait on their ministry, to spend their whole time, and thought, and strength therein.
McArther Bible Commentary
A listing of miscellaneous temple activities is given.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 18:8 Nehemiah 13:4 Nehemiah 13:5 Nehemiah 13:12

Verse 45

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The officers of the temple settled.
When the solemnities of a thanksgiving day leave such impressions on ministers and people, that both are more careful and cheerful in doing their duty, they are indeed acceptable to the Lord, and turn to good account. And whatever we do, must be purified by the blood of sprinkling, and by the grace of the Holy Spirit, or it cannot be acceptable to God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The ward - That ward, or charge, which God had prescribed to them. And in particular the charge of purification, of taking care that no unclean person or thing should enter into the house or courts of the Lord.
McArther Bible Commentary
the command of David … Solomon. Cf. 1 Chronicles 25; 26.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 7:10 1 Chronicles 25:1

Verse 46

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The officers of the temple settled.
When the solemnities of a thanksgiving day leave such impressions on ministers and people, that both are more careful and cheerful in doing their duty, they are indeed acceptable to the Lord, and turn to good account. And whatever we do, must be purified by the blood of sprinkling, and by the grace of the Holy Spirit, or it cannot be acceptable to God.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 9:33 2 Chronicles 29:30 Psalm 137:4

Verse 47

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The officers of the temple settled.
When the solemnities of a thanksgiving day leave such impressions on ministers and people, that both are more careful and cheerful in doing their duty, they are indeed acceptable to the Lord, and turn to good account. And whatever we do, must be purified by the blood of sprinkling, and by the grace of the Holy Spirit, or it cannot be acceptable to God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Sanctified - They set apart the first - fruits and tithes from their own share, and devoted them to the use of the Levites. And so did the Levites by the tithe of the tithes. Thus they all conscientiously paid their dues, and did not profane those things which God had sanctified, nor take them into their own common use. When what is contributed for the support of religion, is given with an eye to God, it is sanctified, and will cause the blessing to rest upon the house, and all that is therein.
McArther Bible Commentary
the children of Aaron. The priests.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 18:21 2 Kings 7:10 2 Kings 25:30 Nehemiah 11:23