Nehemiah 12:18 belongs to the chapter's account of the dedication of Jerusalem's wall after the return from Babylonian captivity. The dedication was a joyful celebration marked by thanksgiving, singing, and musical instruments. The priests, the Levites, and the people were purified, and great sacrifices were offered. The joy was shared by women and children and was heard far away. In this setting the verse names Shammua as the priestly head of the family of Bilgah and Jehonathan as the head of the family of Shemaiah.
Nehemiah 12:18 belongs to the chapter's account of the dedication of Jerusalem's wall after the return from Babylonian captivity. The dedication was a joyful celebration marked by thanksgiving, singing, and musical instruments. The priests, the Levites, and the people were purified, and great sacrifices were offered. The joy was shared by women and children and was heard far away. In this setting the verse names Shammua as the priestly head of the family of Bilgah and Jehonathan as the head of the family of Shemaiah.