Neh 12:22-43 | TNotes

Summary for Neh 12:27-43: 12:27-43 ^a The dedication of the new wall probably happened shortly after its completion (6:15-19 ^b). This account probably came from Nehemiah’s personal memoirs.
Summary for Neh 12:27-29: 12:27-29 ^c Since few Levites had returned to live in Jerusalem (see Ezra 2:40-42 ^d; 8:15-19 ^e), all those throughout the land were recruited to create two impressive choirs and orchestras.

• Netophathites were from near Bethlehem (1 Chr 2:54 ^f).

• Beth-gilgal was near Jericho.

• Geba and Azmaveth were in the territory of Benjamin.
12:30 ^g The dedication ceremony required that the priests and Levites be purified and ready to enter the Temple area (see Exod 19:10 ^h; Num 8:5-7 ⁱ).
Summary for Neh 12:31-37: 12:31-37 ^j This impressive march proceeded southward along the top of the wall to the Dung Gate at the southern end of the city (3:13-14 ^k). Then the procession continued north on the wall along the east side of the city, past the ruins of the house of David and up to the Water Gate (3:26 ^l; 8:1 ^m) near the Temple.
12:35 ⁿ Long, slender, metal trumpets were played for festive, joyous occasions (1 Chr 13:8 ^o; 15:23 ^p; 16:6 ^q, 42 ^r; Ezra 3:10 ^s) by the descendants of Asaph.
Summary for Neh 12:38-39: 12:38-39 ^t The second choir ... went northward, up the western wall past the Broad Wall (3:8 ^u), the Old City Gate (3:6 ^v), and the Fish Gate (3:3 ^w), then across the northern side of the wall until it came to the Sheep Gate (3:1 ^x) on the northeast corner of the Temple.

• The Guard Gate might be the Inspection Gate (3:31 ^y).
12:43 ^z This community celebration included everyone. God was the true source of their great joy because his power had enabled them to accomplish the huge task of rebuilding the walls. Psalm 147 ^aa might have been written for this occasion.