[:en]SCRIPTURE: NEHEMIAH 12
“At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harp and lyres. The singers also were brought together from the region around Jerusalem” (Nehemiah 12:27-28)
PRIESTS AND LEVITES (vs. 1-26)
The names of the Priests and the Levites who returned with Zerubbabel and Jeshua were recorded.
DEDICATION OF THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM (vs. 17-47)
After the building of the wall and gates were completed, they dedicated them to the Lord for his glory. They celebrated it with joy and thanksgiving by two choirs, musical instruments of cymbals, harps, lyres. Ezra and Nehemiah divided the people into two groups with Ezra leading one and Nehemiah following the other (v. 36). Ezra led his company from the east to the north while Nehemiah and his company went straight north to east and met at the temple area. On that day, they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The joy of the city was heard miles away. The priests and the Levites purified themselves together with the singers, gatekeepers and the people. Men were appointed to be in charge of the storerooms for the contributions of first fruits and tithes. “In the days of Zerubbabel and Nehemiah, all Israel contributed the daily portion 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” (v. 47)
SUMMARY:
The Lord our God deserves our praise. For praise is important in bringing glory to God. During the dedication of the walls, 2 choirs with musical instruments participated in giving thanks to the Lord. May we unite together to sing songs of praise and thanks. May the church remember the importance of music ministry.[:]