Nehemiah 12:36, commentary and pictures

This verse belongs to the great thanksgiving day for dedicating the restored wall of Jerusalem after the return from Babylonian captivity, in the account of the last reform on the return to Jerusalem covering about 446-408. Nehemiah worked always with the highest good of Jerusalem in mind, being 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 for their slackness in doing God's work and indignant toward those who sinned against God by uniting with the heathen peoples, even bringing them into the very temple itself. His zealous manner as a reformer is not always one to copy, yet with all the circumstances surrounding him he is not to be condemned.

The dedication followed the purification and preparation of the priests, the Levites, and the people. On the day of dedication two great processions of princes, priests, singers, and people ascended the wall at opposite points and marched around on top of the wall until they joined at both ends, forming one continuous procession around the whole city. This verse names part of that dedication company, Levites with the musical instruments of David the man of God, with Ezra the scribe leading before them.

The dedication was kept with gladness, thanksgiving, and singing accompanied by musical instruments, including those associated with David. When the united procession stood still to give thanks, the singers sang loudly with Jezrahiah as their overseer. That day great sacrifices were offered and all rejoiced because God had made them rejoice with great joy, with wives and children also rejoicing, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even far away. Sacrifices, offerings, and material giving belong inseparably to thanksgiving and give a pattern for a Thanksgiving program.