Nehemiah 12:26
These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest, the scribe. These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest, the scribe.
The book belongs to about 446 to 408 and includes the final reform on Nehemiah's return to Jerusalem. The priests and Levites named here are dated to the days of Nehemiah the governor and of Ezra the priest, the scribe. The setting is the thanksgiving dedication of the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem after the return from Babylonian captivity.
That dedication was kept with gladness, thanksgiving, singing, cymbals, psalteries, and harps. The priests and Levites purified themselves and purified the people. Great sacrifices were offered with rejoicing because God had made them rejoice with joy, and wives and children also rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.
Nehemiah is identified by his office as governor and by work always done with the highest good of Jerusalem in mind. He was there for God because the city was the Lord's city and the people were the Lord's people. He was impatient toward the people because of their slackness in doing the work of God. He was indignant toward those sinning against God in uniting with the heathen peoples, even bringing them into the very temple itself.
His manner as a zealous reformer is not always one to copy, yet when all the circumstances surrounding him are taken into consideration he is not to be condemned. Sacrifices and offerings are almost inseparably connected with thanksgiving in Scripture, with material giving as the really practical feature of thanksgiving. This Jerusalem example therefore makes an excellent basis for a Thanksgiving program.