Nehemiah 12:31
Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and appointed two great companies of them that gave thanks, whereof one went on the right hand upon the wall toward the dung gate: Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and appointed two great companies of them that gave thanks, whereof one went on the right hand upon the wall toward the dung gate:
This verse belongs to the account of Nehemiah's work of rebuilding Jerusalem's wall, establishing the government, and carrying out reforms, especially those concerning Sabbath observance. It records part of the great thanksgiving day for dedicating the restored and finished walls after the return from Babylonian captivity under Nehemiah's direction. Before the dedication, the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, the gates, and the wall.
For the dedication, two great thanksgiving companies of princes, priests, singers, and people were formed to ascend the wall at opposite points and march on top of the wall until the two processions met and became one continuous procession around the whole city, with one company going to the right toward the dung gate. The dedication was kept with gladness, with thanksgiving, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps. When united the procession stood still together to give thanks with loud singing under Jezrahiah's direction.
Great sacrifices were offered, and God had made the people rejoice with great joy, and the wives also and the children rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off. Sacrifices and offerings are almost inseparably connected with thanksgiving, and material giving is the really practical feature of thanksgiving. The example of the people at Jerusalem makes an excellent basis and model for a thanksgiving program and observance.