SCRIPTURE: NEHEMIIAH 12
PRIESTS AND LEVITES (vs. 1-26)
The priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel and Jeshua were all recorded.
DEDICATION OF THE WALL OF JERUSALEM (vs. 27–47)
At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, all Levites and singers were called and brought to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication joyfully with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres. The priests and Levites purified themselves first and then they purified the people at the gates of the wall. There were 2 large choirs and some priests with trumpets giving thanks to the Lord. The first choir started from Dung gate to Fountain gate to Water gate on the east. The second choir proceeded in the opposite direction from Tower of the Ovens to Broad Wall, over the Gate of Ephraim, the Jeshanah Gate, the Fist Gate, the Tower of Hananel and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate. They stopped at the Gate of the Guard.
After they gave thanks, they offered great sacrifices. Men were appointed to be in charge of the storerooms for the contributions, firstfruits and tithes. From the fields around the t owns, they were to bring into the storerooms the portions required by the Law for the priests and the Levites. The priests and Levites performed the service of God and the service of purification. The singers and gatekeepers also did according to the commands of David and his son Solomon. 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.
THOUGHTS:
The Israelites rejoiced because the wall was finished, the enemy was humiliated and the Lord was glorified. Nehemiah assigned two large choirs to sing. Ezra, the scribe led the procession of one group while Nehemiah followed the second group. The two choirs gave thanks and sang songs of praise and thanksgiving. The sound of joy was heard afar off. Do you praise God and thank Him for helping you accomplish a project successfully?
Before the dedication of the Wall of Jerusalem, the priests and Levites had to purify themselves ceremonially. Then they purified the people, the gates and the wall. When you come to the presence of the Lord, do you confess your sins before the Lord for Him to purify you?