Nehemiah 12:8
Moreover the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, which was over the thanksgiving, he and his brethren. Moreover the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, which was over the thanksgiving, he and his brethren.
The verse lists six Levites — Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah — who served in the temple community. They belonged to the restored worship at Jerusalem, and Mattaniah together with his fellow Levites, his brethren, was placed over the thanksgiving as its leader.
The listing stands within the account of the dedication of the walls of Jerusalem rebuilt under Nehemiah after the return from Babylonian captivity. That dedication was kept with gladness, with thanksgiving and singing accompanied by cymbals, psalteries, and harps. First the priests and the Levites purified themselves and purified the people. Then great sacrifices were offered and all rejoiced, wives and children joining, because God had made them rejoice with joy, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.
Sacrifices and offerings are almost inseparably connected with thanksgiving. Material giving is the really practical feature of thanksgiving. This joyful dedication with its offerings is therefore a model for a Thanksgiving program.