Nehemiah 12 26

Nehemiah 12:26 kjv

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.

Nehemiah 12:26 nkjv

These lived 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.

Nehemiah 12:26 niv

They served in the days of Joiakim son of Joshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and of Ezra the priest, the teacher of the Law.

Nehemiah 12:26 esv

These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and of Ezra, the priest and scribe.

Nehemiah 12:26 nlt

These all served in the days of Joiakim son of Jeshua, son of Jehozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and of Ezra the priest and scribe.

Nehemiah 12 verses

Nehemiah 12 26 Meaning

This verse functions as a critical chronological marker within Nehemiah's historical account. It specifies that the preceding detailed records, particularly those concerning the Levites, singers, and gatekeepers listed as heads of their families (Neh 12:22-25), pertain to the historical period marked by the high-priesthood of Joiakim, the civil governorship of Nehemiah, and the spiritual leadership of Ezra, the priest and scribe. It firmly dates these significant events of post-exilic restoration within the tenure of these three key figures, highlighting their collective leadership in the re-establishment of God's people in Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 12 26 Context

Nehemiah 12 details the registration of priests and Levites who returned from exile. The chapter begins by listing the priests and Levites who came with Zerubbabel and Jeshua during the initial return. It then proceeds to update these lists through succeeding generations of high priests, providing a continuous record up to the time when these administrative records were diligently kept. Specifically, verses 22-25 speak of the Levites being recorded as heads of their families "in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan, and Jaddua," encompassing a period that likely spans several generations of high priests. Verse 26 then precisely pinpoints the historical period during which these significant records were compiled or finalized. It clarifies that this comprehensive registration occurred during the active leadership roles of Joiakim as the high priest, Nehemiah as the Persian-appointed governor, and Ezra as the eminent priest and scribe responsible for legal and spiritual reforms. This careful dating reinforces the historical authenticity and the authoritative nature of the documented service roles for the re-established community, especially in the context of the dedication of the newly rebuilt wall of Jerusalem, which occurs later in the chapter.

Nehemiah 12 26 Word analysis

• "These": Refers to the collective body of Levites, singers, and gatekeepers whose heads of families and leaders were recorded in the preceding verses (specifically Neh 12:22-25). This pronoun acts as a direct reference, signifying that the following information applies to the individuals previously listed or their historical period.
• "were in the days of": (Hebrew: biy-mei - בִּימֵי). This phrase is a common temporal indicator in ancient Near Eastern texts and biblical writings, serving to date events or records by reference to the ruling monarch, high priest, or prominent leader. It places the historical scope of the records within the specific periods of these individuals' authority and influence.
• "Joiakim": (Hebrew: Yoyaqim - יוֹיָקִים, meaning "Yahweh raises" or "Yahweh establishes"). He was the son and successor of Jeshua (Joshua), the first high priest to return from Babylon. Joiakim continued the lineage of high priests critical for maintaining proper temple worship and succession after the exile. His name points to God's continuous work of establishing His purposes.
• "the son of Jeshua": (Hebrew: Yeshua - יֵשׁוּעַ, meaning "Yahweh saves"). Jeshua, also known as Joshua, was the prominent high priest who returned with Zerubbabel and played a foundational role in rebuilding the altar and temple (Ezra 3:2; Hag 1:1; Zech 3:1). Establishing Joiakim's direct descent from Jeshua was vital for confirming the legitimacy and continuity of the high-priestly line.
• "son of Jozadak": (Hebrew: Yotsadaq - יוֹצָדָק, meaning "Yahweh is righteous"). Jozadak was Jeshua's father, who was taken into exile with the people to Babylon (1 Chr 6:15). Tracing the line back through Jozadak highlights the historical continuity of the priesthood, even through the period of severe judgment and exile, underscoring God's faithfulness to His covenant despite Israel's disobedience.
• "and in the days of Nehemiah the governor": (Hebrew: Nekhemyah - נְחֶמְיָה, meaning "Comfort of Yahweh"). Nehemiah served as a highly effective Persian-appointed civil leader (hatirshata - הַתִּרְשָׁתָא, a Persian title for a governor), responsible for rebuilding Jerusalem's walls and enacting civic and social reforms. His governorship marked a significant period of material and political stabilization for the post-exilic community.
• "and Ezra the priest, the scribe": (Hebrew: Ezra' - עֶזְרָא, meaning "Help"). Ezra was a descendant of Aaron, an authority on the Law of Moses (Ezra 7:6, 10). His titles "priest" (kohen - כֹּהֵן) emphasize his religious lineage and authority, while "scribe" (sopher - סֹפֵר) signifies his unparalleled expertise in the Torah – both its preservation and interpretation. Ezra spearheaded the spiritual revival and re-instruction of the Law among the people.
• Words-group by words-group analysis:
  • "These were in the days of Joiakim... and in the days of Nehemiah... and Ezra": This phrase precisely anchors the period of detailed record-keeping by reference to the three primary authorities co-leading the Jewish community during a pivotal era of restoration. The careful inclusion of the high priest, the civil governor, and the supreme religious/legal expert illustrates a multi-faceted leadership structure that oversaw the rebuilding of both the physical city and the spiritual life of the nation. It reflects a unified effort where priestly continuity, civil administration, and spiritual education converged for national re-establishment.
  • "Joiakim the son of Jeshua, son of Jozadak": This clear triple lineage of high priests reinforces the chain of legitimate succession from before the exile, through the pivotal figure of Jeshua who returned with the first wave, to Joiakim, who carried the priestly responsibilities during this new phase of communal life. This detail would have been essential for asserting the divine ordination and continuity of the Aaronic priesthood within the re-constituted worship life of Israel.

Nehemiah 12 26 Bonus section

The mention of Joiakim's lineage through Jeshua and Jozadak underscores the rigorous post-exilic emphasis on genealogical purity and continuity for those serving in the temple, especially the high priest. This concern for unbroken lineage implicitly combats any internal or external challenges to the legitimacy of the re-established worship system. The tripartite leadership (Joiakim, Nehemiah, Ezra) showcases an effective model of cooperation between sacred and secular authority—a governor managing civil affairs and providing resources, a priest maintaining temple rituals, and a scribe educating on divine law. This structure was foundational for preventing internal decay and external influences, preparing the ground for sustained spiritual life in the generations leading up to the advent of the Messiah. The diligence in record-keeping served not just administrative purposes, but also as a profound statement of hope and commitment to covenant faithfulness.

Nehemiah 12 26 Commentary

Nehemiah 12:26 provides a critical timestamp, situating the detailed Levitical and priestly records within a specific window of post-exilic history. It affirms that the careful maintenance and accuracy of these genealogies and service rosters, crucial for the proper functioning of the temple and the identity of God's people, were established and verified during a unique convergence of leadership. High Priest Joiakim ensured spiritual continuity, Governor Nehemiah provided political stability and physical restoration, and Priest-Scribe Ezra drove the spiritual reformation through the Law. This collaboration between spiritual (priesthood, scribe) and civil (governor) authority, operating within the divinely orchestrated lineage, testifies to the comprehensive effort required to rebuild God's people physically and spiritually, ensuring legitimacy and order in the re-established community of faith. The verse highlights God's providence in raising such complementary leaders for His purposes, emphasizing the meticulousness required for sacred service and national identity.