Nehemiah 12 27

Nehemiah 12:27 kjv

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.

Nehemiah 12:27 nkjv

Now at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought out the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings and singing, with cymbals and stringed instruments and harps.

Nehemiah 12:27 niv

At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres.

Nehemiah 12:27 esv

And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres.

Nehemiah 12:27 nlt

For the dedication of the new wall of Jerusalem, the Levites throughout the land were asked to come to Jerusalem to assist in the ceremonies. They were to take part in the joyous occasion with their songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps, and lyres.

Nehemiah 12 verses

Nehemiah 12 27 Meaning

Nehemiah 12:27 describes the preparatory steps for the sacred dedication ceremony of the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem. It highlights the diligent efforts to gather the scattered Levites from throughout the land to the holy city. Their purpose was to lead the dedication with spiritual gladness, characterized by profound thanksgiving, jubilant singing, and the skillful performance of various musical instruments, signifying a joyous and communal act of worship and rededication to God.

Nehemiah 12 27 Context

Nehemiah 12:27 marks a pivotal moment in the book of Nehemiah. Following the successful completion of Jerusalem's walls (Neh 6) despite relentless opposition, and a spiritual revival ignited by Ezra's reading of the Law and the subsequent covenant renewal (Neh 8-10), the narrative now turns to the official dedication. Chapter 12 itself begins by listing the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel, followed by those serving in Nehemiah's time. This verse specifically describes the careful arrangements made to ensure the ceremonial purity and liturgical excellence of the dedication by gathering the appointed religious personnel. Historically, the post-exilic community was small and somewhat disorganized, making the intentional seeking and gathering of the Levites a significant organizational and spiritual effort to re-establish proper Temple worship according to Mosaic Law.

Nehemiah 12 27 Word analysis

• And: A conjunction (waw) connecting this significant event to the previous lists of priests and Levites (Neh 12:1-26), showing a seamless transition from organization to action.
• at the dedication: From Hebrew chanukkah (חֲנֻכָּה), meaning "consecration" or "inauguration." It denotes a formal, sacred setting apart or dedicating for a holy purpose. This was not merely an opening ceremony but a religious act of dedicating the walls and, by extension, the city and its inhabitants, back to God. This term later gave rise to the festival of Hanukkah.
• of the wall: Hebrew chomah (חוֹמָה). This refers to the physical boundary that provided security and defined Jerusalem as a distinct, holy city, separate from pagan influences. Its completion represented divine protection and fulfilled prophecy.
• of Jerusalem: Hebrew Yerushalayim (יְרוּשָׁלַ֫יִם). The capital city, central to Israel's identity, King David's city, and the place of God's chosen dwelling. Its restoration symbolized the rebuilding of the nation.
• they sought: Hebrew bakash (בָּקַשׁ). Implies an earnest, diligent search or inquiry. It signifies a proactive effort on the part of the leaders to ensure all necessary participants were present, rather than waiting for them to appear. This highlights the importance of the Levites' role.
• the Levites: Hebrew L’wiyyim (לְוִיִּם). The descendants of Levi, designated by God for sacred service in the Tabernacle and Temple. Their duties included singing, playing instruments, caring for sacred objects, teaching the Law, and maintaining the sanctuary. Their presence was crucial for proper, authorized worship.
• out of all their places: Indicates that the Levites had scattered throughout the land (perhaps to their fields, as seen in Neh 13:10, when provisions were withheld) due to the fragmented nature of the post-exilic community and potentially irregular support. Gathering them signified a centralized and unified effort.
• to bring them to Jerusalem: Emphasizes the centrality of Jerusalem as the place of authorized worship and pilgrimage. It was essential for communal religious gatherings.
• to keep the dedication: To observe, celebrate, and perform the sacred rites of dedication. It signifies adhering to the proper liturgical protocol for such a solemn occasion.
• with gladness: Hebrew simchah (שִׂמְחָה). A profound sense of joy, often divinely inspired, characteristic of festivals and acts of worship where God's faithfulness and provision are celebrated. It underscores the spirit of the event, which was not merely solemn but celebratory.
• both with thanksgivings: Hebrew todowt (תּוֹדוֹת), literally "thanks." Expressions of gratitude, praise, and acknowledgment of God's favor, power, and protection in enabling the wall's completion despite adversity. Thanksgiving was a fundamental aspect of Israelite worship.
• and with singing: Hebrew shir (שִׁיר). Vocal praise and song, an ancient and integral part of Israelite worship. Levitical singers were professionally trained to lead the congregation in expressing adoration and celebration through music.
• [with] cymbals: Hebrew metsiltayim (מְצִלְתַּיִם). Percussion instruments used to mark rhythm and add emphasis in loud praise.
• psalteries: Hebrew nevel (נֶבֶל). Often translated as "lyre" or "lute," a stringed instrument that produces a deep, resonant sound. Used for melody and accompaniment in temple worship.
• and with harps: Hebrew kinnor (כִּנּוֹר). A stringed instrument, likely similar to a lyre or harp, associated with professional musicians and used to provide rich musical texture in temple ceremonies. The combination of instruments signifies a full, vibrant, and organized musical ensemble for elaborate worship.

Nehemiah 12 27 Bonus section

The dedication ceremony itself, described in later verses of Nehemiah 12, involves two large choirs or processions circling the city walls in opposite directions, ultimately converging at the Temple. This dramatic spectacle amplified the sense of communal celebration and re-consecration of the entire city. The emphasis on "gladness" and musical instruments counters any notion of a somber, obligation-driven religious act, showcasing instead the deep joy found in God's faithfulness and in obeying His commands. The specific listing of instruments (cymbals, psalteries, harps) reflects the continuity with earlier forms of Temple worship established by David (1 Chr 23:5, 1 Chr 25), reinforcing the authentic, divinely prescribed nature of their service. This act of dedication also served as a clear affirmation of Jerusalem's unique identity as the city of God, protected by His hand, in contrast to the surrounding pagan influences. It demonstrated a renewed commitment to distinguish themselves as God's chosen people.

Nehemiah 12 27 Commentary

Nehemiah 12:27 details the meticulous preparation for the dedication of Jerusalem's rebuilt wall, signifying not just a physical accomplishment but a profound spiritual milestone for the returned exiles. The proactive effort to "seek out" the Levites from "all their places" underscores the recognition of their indispensable, divinely ordained role in legitimate worship. Their gathering in Jerusalem centralized and unified the nation's spiritual life, essential after generations of scattering. The accompanying atmosphere was to be one of "gladness," "thanksgivings," and elaborate "singing" with "cymbals, psalteries, and harps," illustrating that Israelite worship was inherently vibrant, joyous, and participatory. This was a heartfelt response of gratitude to God for His protection, provision, and restoration. The entire event was a testament to the community's commitment to covenant renewal, celebrating God's faithfulness and re-establishing His holy presence within the restored city.

Examples:

• A church organizing a large annual festival: diligent planning ensures all necessary ministries (music, welcome, service teams) are gathered and prepared for a cohesive, joyous celebration.
• A family dedicating a new home to the Lord: they might gather loved ones, offer prayers of thanks, sing hymns, and declare their intent for the home to be a place of God's glory and service.
• A Christian organization formally inaugurating a new building for ministry: key leaders, musicians, and worshippers assemble with gratitude, song, and instruments to consecrate the space for God's purposes.