Nehemiah 12: The Joy of Jerusalem

Then the priests and Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, the gates, and the wall. Nehemiah 12:30

Purification, Rejoicing and Dedication

Priests and Levites: 12:1-26. The genealogies of worship leaders is given special attention, to assure their right to serve the Lord.

Dedication of the city walls: 12:27-47. Great choirs are formed and the new walls dedicated with great celebration. Nehemiah then takes steps to make sure that the people follow through on their commitments.

12:44-47 After the dedication of the wall, the people took steps to provide for the priests, Levites, singers, and gatekeepers who served in the temple. The joy of the Lord should produce service for the Lord. In this case, the people’s joy overflowed into providing for the temple. Men were appointed as custodians of the first fruits and tithes. The days of David and Asaph: The times of the great music of Israel were never forgotten; they served as a model for the days still to come.

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