Nehemiah 12:22
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. 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.
The verse stands in the record of Nehemiah's work in rebuilding Jerusalem, setting up its government, and carrying out reforms, with special prominence given to reforms concerning Sabbath observance. More particularly it stands in the account of the dedication of Jerusalem's restored walls after the return from Babylonian captivity. That dedication was kept with thanksgiving, singing, and music, while the priests and Levites purified themselves and the people and great sacrifices were offered. All the people, including wives and children, rejoiced together, so that their joy was heard far away.
The Johanan named here, also called Jehohanan, was a high priest in the succession of leaders listed in this register. He was afterward involved in events at the Jerusalem temple, and when the Jews of Elephantine wrote to him he made no reply. The record of Nehemiah's time to which the verse belongs is among those accounts of Scripture which discoveries in lands adjoining Israel can confirm, with archaeological information available concerning Babylonian life in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah. The dedication account sets forth material giving and thanksgiving offerings as practical expressions of gratitude to God.