Nehemiah12
English Standard Version
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Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Nehemiah 12.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The priests and Levites that returned. (1–26). The dedication of the wall. (27–43). The officers of the temple settled. (44–47).
vv1-26
It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we should be.
vv27-43
All our cities, all our houses, must have holiness to the Lord written upon them. The believer should undertake nothing which he does not dedicate to the Lord. We are concerned to cleanse our hands, and purify our hearts, when any work for God is to pass through them. Those that would be employed to sanctify others, must sanctify themselves, and set themselves apart for God. To those who are sanctified, all their creature-comforts and enjoyments are made holy. The people greatly rejoiced. All that share in public mercies, ought to join in public thanksgivings.
vv44-47
When the solemnities of a thanksgiving day leave such impressions on ministers and people, that both are more careful and cheerful in doing their duty, they are indeed acceptable to the Lord, and turn to good account. And whatever we do, must be purified by the blood of sprinkling, and by the grace of the Holy Spirit, or it cannot be acceptable to God.
Key Words
אֵלֶּה: these or those
כֹּהֵן: literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
לֵוִיִּי: a Levite or descendant of Levi
אֲשֶׁר: who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.
עָלָה: to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
עִם: adverb or preposition, with (i.e. in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then usually unrepresented in English)
זְרֻבָּבֶל: Zerubbabel, an Israelite
בֵּן: a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.)
שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵל: Shealtiel, an Israelite
יֵשׁוּעַ: Jeshua, the name of ten Israelites, also of a place in Palestine
Cross References
Nehemiah 12Abijah is named as the ancestor of John the Baptist's priestly division.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Establishes the twenty-four courses of the priests originally organized by David.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallel list of the exiles who returned with Zerubbabel and Jeshua.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Explains 'ward over against ward' as alternate watches in temple service.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Refers to the Davidic commandment regulating the courses and duties of Levites.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Davidic institution of the musical service, singers, and instruments used at dedication.
Supported by JFB
Previous covenant agreement to supply the chambers with tithes and firstfruits.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Identifies Zerubbabel and Jeshua (Joshua) as leaders of the post-exilic community.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Eliashib the high priest was previously active in building the sheep gate.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Mentions Joiada's son who desecrated the priesthood, connecting to high-priestly succession.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The public registers and chronicles recording the genealogies of the Levites.
Supported by JFB
Mentions the fountain gate and stairs of the city of David.
Supported by JFB
Identifies Ezra the scribe, active alongside Nehemiah during this era.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Contrasts the proper provision of portions here with later neglect in chapter 13.
Supported by Matthew Henry