About Nehemiah

Nehemiah tells the story of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls and the spiritual revival that accompanied it.

Author: NehemiahWritten: c. 430-400 BCReading time: ~6 minVerses: 47
RebuildingLeadershipPrayerOppositionRevivalCovenant

King James Version

Nehemiah 12

47 verses with commentary

The Priests and Levites

Now these are the priests and the Levites that went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Now these are the priests and the Levites that went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. This pass...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

**XII.** (1-9) The priests and Levites of the First Return. (1) **Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra.**—The first is the family name, represented by Jeshua. Of the two others we know nothing more than this record gives.

Amariah, Malluch, Hattush, Malluch: or, Melicu

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with ...
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Shechaniah, Rehum, Meremoth, Shechaniah: or, Shebaniah Rehum: or, Harim Meremoth: or, Meraioth

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Shechaniah, Rehum, Meremoth,</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined wit...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**27. Blessed be the Lord God of our fathers--**This devout thanksgiving is in unison with the whole character of Ezra, who discerns the hand of God in every event, and is always ready to express a pious acknowledgment for the divine goodness.

Iddo, Ginnetho, Abijah, Ginnetho: or, Ginnethon

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Iddo, Ginnetho, Abijah,</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with hum...
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Miamin, Maadiah, Bilgah, Miamin: or, Miniamin Maadiah: or, Moadiah

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Miamin, Maadiah, Bilgah,</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with hu...
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Shemaiah, and Joiarib, Jedaiah,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Shemaiah, and Joiarib, Jedaiah,</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **And Joiarib.**—The “and” begins the list of those who did not seal the covenant. See a like “and” in Nehemiah 12:19.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 8 Ezr 8:1-14. Ezra's Companions from Babylon. **1. this is the genealogy of them that went up with me from Babylon--**The number given here amounts to 1754. But this is the register of adult males only, and as there were women and children also (Ezr 8:21), the whole caravan may be considered as comprising between six thousand and seven thousand.

Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, Jedaiah. These were the chief of the priests and of their brethren in the days of Jeshua. Sallu: or, Sallai

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, Jedaiah. These were the chief of the priests and of their brethren in the days of Jeshua.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. This passage demonstrates b...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **These were the chief**.—Genealogically, but not according to the courses, which are in none of the lists complete.

Moreover the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, which was over the thanksgiving, he and his brethren. the thanksgiving: that is, the psalms of thanksgiving

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Moreover the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, which was over the thanksgiving, he and his brethren.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. This ...
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Also Bakbukiah and Unni, their brethren, were over against them in the watches.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Also Bakbukiah and Unni, their brethren, were over against them in the watches.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable ac...
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And Jeshua begat Joiakim, Joiakim also begat Eliashib, and Eliashib begat Joiada,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Jeshua begat Joiakim, Joiakim also begat Eliashib, and Eliashib begat Joiada,</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10, 11) Pedigree of certain high priests, with supplement from a later hand. The six generations stretch over 200 years—from B.C. 536 to B.C. 332.

And Joiada begat Jonathan, and Jonathan begat Jaddua.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Joiada begat Jonathan, and Jonathan begat Jaddua.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **Jonathan.**—Should be Johanan (Nehemiah 12:22); and *“*Jaddua” is most probably the high priest who confronted Alexander the Great.

And in the days of Joiakim were priests, the chief of the fathers: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And in the days of Joiakim were priests, the chief of the fathers: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. This passage demonstrates bi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12-26) List of representatives of Zerubbabel’s priests in the days of Joiakim; to which is added an account of the Levites in his day. Between these there is an interpolation (Nehemiah 12:22-23).

Of Ezra, Meshullam; of Amariah, Jehohanan;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Of Ezra, Meshullam; of Amariah, Jehohanan;</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignt...
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Of Melicu, Jonathan; of Shebaniah, Joseph;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Of Melicu, Jonathan; of Shebaniah, Joseph;</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignt...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **Melicu** is the “Malluch” of Nehemiah 12:2, and Hattush is omitted. Other anomalies of this kind may be noticed, of which no account can now be given.

Of Harim, Adna; of Meraioth, Helkai;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Of Harim, Adna; of Meraioth, Helkai;</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty comb...
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Of Iddo, Zechariah; of Ginnethon, Meshullam;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Of Iddo, Zechariah; of Ginnethon, Meshullam;</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereig...
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Of Abijah, Zichri; of Miniamin, of Moadiah, Piltai;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Of Abijah, Zichri; of Miniamin, of Moadiah, Piltai;</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's s...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **Of Miniamin.**—Some name has dropped out.

Of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereig...
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And of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi;</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereign...
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Of Sallai, Kallai; of Amok, Eber;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Of Sallai, Kallai; of Amok, Eber;</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combine...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ezr 8:15-20. He Sends to Iddo for Ministers for the Temple Service. **15. I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava--**This river has not been ascertained. It is probable that the Ahava was one of the streams or numerous canals of Mesopotamia communicating with the Euphrates [Cyclopædia of Biblical Literature]. But it was certainly in Babylonia on the banks of that stream; and p...
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Of Hilkiah, Hashabiah; of Jedaiah, Nethaneel.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Of Hilkiah, Hashabiah; of Jedaiah, Nethaneel.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's soverei...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16-20. then sent I for Eliezer ... with commandment unto Iddo the chief--**Ezra sent this deputation, either by virtue of authority which by his priestly character he had over the Levites, or of the royal commission with which he was invested. The deputation was despatched to Iddo, who was a prince or chief of the Nethinims--for the Persian government allowed the Hebrews during their exile to re...
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The Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua, were recorded chief of the fathers: also the priests, to the reign of Darius the Persian.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua, were recorded chief of the fathers: also the priests, to the reign of Darius the Persian.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling th...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22, 23) **The Levites.**—Here is an evident interpolation. The writer says that the records of the heads of courses was continued down to Jaddua and Darius Codomannus.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16-20. then sent I for Eliezer ... with commandment unto Iddo the chief--**Ezra sent this deputation, either by virtue of authority which by his priestly character he had over the Levites, or of the royal commission with which he was invested. The deputation was despatched to Iddo, who was a prince or chief of the Nethinims--for the Persian government allowed the Hebrews during their exile to re...
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The sons of Levi, the chief of the fathers, were written in the book of the chronicles, even until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The sons of Levi, the chief of the fathers, were written in the book of the chronicles, even until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion....
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16-20. then sent I for Eliezer ... with commandment unto Iddo the chief--**Ezra sent this deputation, either by virtue of authority which by his priestly character he had over the Levites, or of the royal commission with which he was invested. The deputation was despatched to Iddo, who was a prince or chief of the Nethinims--for the Persian government allowed the Hebrews during their exile to re...
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And the chief of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise and to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, ward over against ward.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the chief of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise and to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, ward over against ward.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful w...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(24) **And the chief.**—The account resumes with the Levites, and gives a list of the extant officers of the Temple, many names being the same as in earlier times.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16-20. then sent I for Eliezer ... with commandment unto Iddo the chief--**Ezra sent this deputation, either by virtue of authority which by his priestly character he had over the Levites, or of the royal commission with which he was invested. The deputation was despatched to Iddo, who was a prince or chief of the Nethinims--for the Persian government allowed the Hebrews during their exile to re...
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Mattaniah, and Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub, were porters keeping the ward at the thresholds of the gates. thresholds: or, treasuries, or, assemblies

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Mattaniah, and Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub, were porters keeping the ward at the thresholds of the gates.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. City gates were ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **At the thresholds.**—*At the treasuries,* or *store-chambers* attached to the several gates of the Temple.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16-20. then sent I for Eliezer ... with commandment unto Iddo the chief--**Ezra sent this deputation, either by virtue of authority which by his priestly character he had over the Levites, or of the royal commission with which he was invested. The deputation was despatched to Iddo, who was a prince or chief of the Nethinims--for the Persian government allowed the Hebrews during their exile to re...
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These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest, the scribe.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest, the scribe.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ezr 8:21-36. A Fast Proclaimed. **21. Then I proclaimed a fast there--**The dangers to travelling caravans from the Bedouin Arabs that prowl through the desert were in ancient times as great as they still are; and it seems that travellers usually sought the protection of a military escort. But Ezra had spoken so much to the king of the sufficiency of the divine care of His people that he would ha...
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The Dedication of the Wall

And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(27-43) The dedication of the wall. Henceforth Nehemiah speaks in his own person. (27) **They sought the Levites.**—The dedication was to be processional and musical, as well as sacrificial: after the pattern of Solomon’s dedication of the Temple.

And the sons of the singers gathered themselves together, both out of the plain country round about Jerusalem, and from the villages of Netophathi;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the sons of the singers gathered themselves together, both out of the plain country round about Jerusalem, and from the villages of Netophathi;</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's com...
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Also from the house of Gilgal , and out of the fields of Geba and Azmaveth: for the singers had builded them villages round about Jerusalem.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Also from the house of Gilgal, and out of the fields of Geba and Azmaveth: for the singers had builded them villages round about Jerusalem.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion....
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(29) **The** **singers.**—As the Nethinim were settled in Ophel, so the class of Levitical singers were chiefly to be found in villages to the north of the city.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**24-32. Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests ... and weighed unto them the silver, &amp;c.--**The custody of the contributions and of the sacred vessels was, during the journey, committed to twelve of the chief priests, who, with the assistance of ten of their brethren, were to watch closely over them by the way, and deliver them into the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. The treasur...
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And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, and the gates, and the wall.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, and the gates, and the wall.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. Jerusalem's wall (<em>chomah</em...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(30) **Purified themselves.**—Before consecration to God there must be purification from defilement. It is made emphatic that both priests and Levites purified themselves, that is, by offerings and ablutions (comp. 2Chronicles 29:15; Ezra 6:20): the gates and the wall by being sprinkled.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**24-32. Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests ... and weighed unto them the silver, &amp;c.--**The custody of the contributions and of the sacred vessels was, during the journey, committed to twelve of the chief priests, who, with the assistance of ten of their brethren, were to watch closely over them by the way, and deliver them into the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. The treasur...
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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:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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:</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's fa...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(31) **The princes.**—The chiefs were assembled somewhere on the south-west wall, and then divided into two companies.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**24-32. Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests ... and weighed unto them the silver, &amp;c.--**The custody of the contributions and of the sacred vessels was, during the journey, committed to twelve of the chief priests, who, with the assistance of ten of their brethren, were to watch closely over them by the way, and deliver them into the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. The treasur...
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And after them went Hoshaiah, and half of the princes of Judah,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And after them went Hoshaiah, and half of the princes of Judah,</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testam...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(32) **After them.**—These verses show that the clerical and the lay elements were mingled.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**24-32. Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests ... and weighed unto them the silver, &amp;c.--**The custody of the contributions and of the sacred vessels was, during the journey, committed to twelve of the chief priests, who, with the assistance of ten of their brethren, were to watch closely over them by the way, and deliver them into the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. The treasur...
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And Azariah, Ezra, and Meshullam,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Azariah, Ezra, and Meshullam,</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combine...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(33) **Ezra.**—Probably the same as the Azariah preceding.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**24-32. Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests ... and weighed unto them the silver, &amp;c.--**The custody of the contributions and of the sacred vessels was, during the journey, committed to twelve of the chief priests, who, with the assistance of ten of their brethren, were to watch closely over them by the way, and deliver them into the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. The treasur...
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Judah, and Benjamin, and Shemaiah, and Jeremiah,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Judah, and Benjamin, and Shemaiah, and Jeremiah,</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sove...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(34) **Judah and Benjamin.**—A singular collocation: the laity of Judah and Benjamin, with priests before and after.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**24-32. Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests ... and weighed unto them the silver, &amp;c.--**The custody of the contributions and of the sacred vessels was, during the journey, committed to twelve of the chief priests, who, with the assistance of ten of their brethren, were to watch closely over them by the way, and deliver them into the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. The treasur...
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And certain of the priests' sons with trumpets; namely, Zechariah the son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Michaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And certain of the priests' sons with trumpets; namely, Zechariah the son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Michaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph:</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**24-32. Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests ... and weighed unto them the silver, &amp;c.--**The custody of the contributions and of the sacred vessels was, during the journey, committed to twelve of the chief priests, who, with the assistance of ten of their brethren, were to watch closely over them by the way, and deliver them into the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. The treasur...
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And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faith...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(36) **With the musical instruments of David the man of God.**—No part of the service deviated from sacred precedents (comp. Nehemiah 12:27). **Ezra the scribe before them.**—Between the singers and the princes came he who was the greatest in dignity, though the second in office.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**24-32. Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests ... and weighed unto them the silver, &amp;c.--**The custody of the contributions and of the sacred vessels was, during the journey, committed to twelve of the chief priests, who, with the assistance of ten of their brethren, were to watch closely over them by the way, and deliver them into the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. The treasur...
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And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**24-32. Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests ... and weighed unto them the silver, &amp;c.--**The custody of the contributions and of the sacred vessels was, during the journey, committed to twelve of the chief priests, who, with the assistance of ten of their brethren, were to watch closely over them by the way, and deliver them into the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. The treasur...
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And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them, and I after them, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them, and I after them, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall;</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebratin...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(38) **The other company.**—Comparing the order with Nehemiah 3, the reader will have a clear view of the second company. They had the longer route, proceed. ing to the left, rounding the north “broad wall,” passing the sheep-gate, and so meeting the priestly company near the prison-gate. The space where they met had the Temple straight in front, the prison-gate on the right, and the water-gate on...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**33-36. Now on the fourth day was the silver ... weighed in the house of our God--**The first three days after their arrival in Jerusalem were undoubtedly given to repose; on the next, the treasures were weighed and handed over to the custody of the officiating priests of the temple. The returned exiles offered burnt offerings, and Ezra delivered the royal commission to the satraps and inferior m...
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And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, cel...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(39) **The gate of Ephraim.**—Not mentioned in the process of repairing, as having remained comparatively intact with part of the “broad wall.”

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**33-36. Now on the fourth day was the silver ... weighed in the house of our God--**The first three days after their arrival in Jerusalem were undoubtedly given to repose; on the next, the treasures were weighed and handed over to the custody of the officiating priests of the temple. The returned exiles offered burnt offerings, and Ezra delivered the royal commission to the satraps and inferior m...
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So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the house of God, and I, and the half of the rulers with me:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the house of God, and I, and the half of the rulers with me:</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. This passage demonstrat...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(40) **In the house of God.**—They stood first outside, but afterwards entered to present their offerings. But the main interest of the day was the professional worship under the open heavens.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**33-36. Now on the fourth day was the silver ... weighed in the house of our God--**The first three days after their arrival in Jerusalem were undoubtedly given to repose; on the next, the treasures were weighed and handed over to the custody of the officiating priests of the temple. The returned exiles offered burnt offerings, and Ezra delivered the royal commission to the satraps and inferior m...
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And the priests; Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Michaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the priests; Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Michaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets;</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. This passage demonstrates biblica...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(41) **And the priests.**—Like the names of the priests and Levites in Nehemiah 12:35, these are personal; not to be found in the former lists.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**33-36. Now on the fourth day was the silver ... weighed in the house of our God--**The first three days after their arrival in Jerusalem were undoubtedly given to repose; on the next, the treasures were weighed and handed over to the custody of the officiating priests of the temple. The returned exiles offered burnt offerings, and Ezra delivered the royal commission to the satraps and inferior m...
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And Maaseiah, and Shemaiah, and Eleazar, and Uzzi, and Jehohanan, and Malchijah, and Elam, and Ezer. And the singers sang loud, with Jezrahiah their overseer. sang: Heb. made their voice to be heard

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Maaseiah, and Shemaiah, and Eleazar, and Uzzi, and Jehohanan, and Malchijah, and Elam, and Ezer. And the singers sang loud, with Jezrahiah their overseer.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the...
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Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, cele...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(43) **Rejoiced.**—This verse is full of joy; but before the rejoicing comes the abundant offering of sacrifices.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 9 Ezr 9:1-4. Ezra Mourns for the Affinity of the People with Strangers. **1-2. Now when these things were done--**The first days after Ezra's arrival in Jerusalem were occupied in executing the different trusts committed to him. The nature and design of the office with which the royal authority had invested him was publicly made known to his own people by the formal delivery of the contri...
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And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited. of the law: that is, appointed by the law for Judah: Heb. for the joy of Judah waited: Heb. stood

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(44-47) Economical arrangements. (44) **For Judah rejoiced.**—Not only was the Temple service restored to something like the completeness of the Davidical period, the people also everywhere took pleasure in the ministrations of the Temple, and provided amply for them. Hence the need of men to take charge of the treasuries of the firstfruits and tithes.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 9 Ezr 9:1-4. Ezra Mourns for the Affinity of the People with Strangers. **1-2. Now when these things were done--**The first days after Ezra's arrival in Jerusalem were occupied in executing the different trusts committed to him. The nature and design of the office with which the royal authority had invested him was publicly made known to his own people by the formal delivery of the contri...
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And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(45) **Kept the ward.**—This should be read differently. The priests and Levites *kept the ward of their God, and the ward of purification, and the singers and porters,* &c. To “keep the ward” is to observe the regular times and seasons of sacrifice and thanksgiving.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**3. when I heard this thing, I rent my garment and my mantle, &amp;c.--**the outer and inner garment, which was a token not only of great grief, but of dread at the same time of the divine wrath; **plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard--**which was a still more significant sign of overpowering grief.

For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. This passage demo...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(46) **Of old.**—Always there is a reverence shown for the old precedents.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**4. Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, &amp;c.--**All the pious people who reverenced God's word and dreaded its threatenings and judgments joined with Ezra in bewailing the public sin, and devising the means of redressing it. **I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice--**The intelligence of so gross a violation of God's law by those who had...
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And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion: and they sanctified holy things unto the Levites; and the Levites sanctified them unto the children of Aaron. sanctified: that is, set apart

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion: and they sanctified holy things unto the Levites; and the Levites sanctified them unto the children of Aaron.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(47) **The Levites.**—Between the people and the priests came the Levites, who received the tithe and gave the priests their “tithe of the tithe” (Numbers 18:26). **Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission. **Bible Hub

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ezr 9:5-15. Prays to God. **5-15. I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the Lord my God--**The burden of his prayer, which was dictated by a deep sense of the emergency, was that he was overwhelmed at the flagrant enormity of this sin, and the bold impiety of continuing in it after having, as a people, so recently experienced the heavy marks of the divine displeasure. God had begun t...
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