Nehemiah 12 37

Nehemiah 12:37 kjv

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.

Nehemiah 12:37 nkjv

By the Fountain Gate, in front of them, they went up the stairs of the City of David, on the stairway of the wall, beyond the house of David, as far as the Water Gate eastward.

Nehemiah 12:37 niv

At the Fountain Gate they continued directly up the steps of the City of David on the ascent to the wall and passed above the site of David's palace to the Water Gate on the east.

Nehemiah 12:37 esv

At the Fountain Gate they went up straight before them by the stairs of the city of David, at the ascent of the wall, above the house of David, to the Water Gate on the east.

Nehemiah 12:37 nlt

At the Fountain Gate they went straight up the steps on the ascent of the city wall toward the City of David. They passed the house of David and then proceeded to the Water Gate on the east.

Nehemiah 12 verses

Nehemiah 12 37 Meaning

This verse precisely outlines the path taken by one of the two thanksgiving choirs during the dedication of Jerusalem's rebuilt walls. Starting from the Fountain Gate, the choir ascended the ancient stairs leading into the City of David, moving along the elevated wall, passing "above the house of David," and continuing eastward until they reached the Water Gate. This describes a specific route emphasizing the historical heart of Jerusalem and the meticulous dedication of the renewed city structures.

Nehemiah 12 37 Context

Nehemiah chapter 12 focuses on the dedication of the newly rebuilt walls of Jerusalem, a monumental event celebrating the completion of a challenging task and reaffirming the covenant with God. The chapter details the purification rituals for priests and Levites, and the selection of two great thanksgiving choirs for a celebratory procession atop the wall (Neh 12:31). This verse, Nehemiah 12:37, describes the specific path taken by the first choir, which included Ezra the scribe, as they moved northward along the wall. They began from the Fountain Gate, a point in the southeast, ascended the "stairs of the City of David," an ancient and historically significant section, and continued along the elevated wall, passing "above the house of David"—likely the ancient royal quarter. Their journey culminated at the Water Gate, located eastward, a place where Ezra had previously read the Law to the assembled people (Neh 8). The intricate detailing of the route highlights the joyous, orderly, and public nature of this dedication, re-establishing Jerusalem's sanctity and security after the return from exile.

Nehemiah 12 37 Word analysis

• And by the fountain gate:
  • Sha'ar Ha'Ayan (שַׁעַר הָעַיִן): "Fountain Gate." This gate was located at the southeastern part of the city, near the Gihon Spring and the Pool of Siloam. Its location by the primary water source for Jerusalem made it functionally vital and a logical starting point for a processional route encompassing the city's circumference.
• and straight before them:
  • This phrase emphasizes a direct, unobstructed path or one that faced forward along the main course, suggesting intentionality and perhaps prominence in their visual presence.
• they went up by the stairs of the city of David:
  • Ma'aleh (מַעֲלֶה), "ascent" or "stairs," Ir David (עִיר דָּוִיר): "City of David." This refers to the oldest and most ancient part of Jerusalem, initially captured and made his capital by King David (2 Sam 5:7). The "stairs" were an integral feature enabling passage up the steep terrain of the Ophel ridge, signifying an ascent onto the higher parts of the wall structure, connecting the new city's defense with its ancient foundations.
• at the going up of the wall:
  • This phrase emphasizes that the choir was physically ascending and walking on the newly rebuilt wall. It signifies not just movement alongside, but actively occupying and sanctifying the completed work, thereby formally dedicating it by their passage.
• above the house of David:
  • Al Beit David (עַל בֵּית דָּוִד): "above the house of David." This likely refers to the location of King David's ancient palace or royal complex within the historical City of David. Walking "above" it denotes traversing along the wall that was geographically superior or directly overlooking this foundational royal site, linking the current restoration with the glorious past of the kingdom.
• even unto the water gate eastward:
  • Sha'ar HaMayim Mizrach (שַׁעַר הַמַּיִם מִזְרָחָה): "Water Gate eastward." This was a highly significant gate on the eastern side of Jerusalem, often associated with a public square. It gained immense prominence as the place where Ezra publicly read and expounded the Law of God to the assembled people (Neh 8:1, 3). Its eastward direction hints at its orientation towards the Temple Mount and the direction of prayer.
• they went up... at the going up... above the house of David: This sequence of ascending movements highlights the effort and the elevated position of the procession, indicating a celebratory march that surveyed the revitalized city from a position of strength and achievement. The repeated emphasis on "going up" reinforces the symbolic ascent of the people from despair to hope and from exile to restoration.
• the stairs of the city of David... above the house of David: This connection draws directly upon Jerusalem's rich history, particularly its establishment under King David. By including these specific landmarks, the dedicatory procession acknowledged God's faithfulness through generations and rooted the contemporary act of rebuilding within the long-standing covenant history of Israel.

Nehemiah 12 37 Bonus section

The detailed route described in Nehemiah 12:37, along with the path of the second choir in the subsequent verse, underscores the totality and comprehensiveness of the dedication. Every segment of the wall and, by extension, every aspect of life in the restored city, was placed under divine blessing. The choice of ascending an ancient, arduous route through the "City of David" served as a powerful reminder that their restoration was deeply rooted in God's historical promises, especially those given to David, highlighting continuity in God's redemptive plan. This elaborate procession served as a tangible manifestation of corporate spiritual health—a community moving forward together in joy and purpose, publicly declaring their allegiance to God and their gratitude for His provision and protection. It is a powerful type for the Church, which as "living stones," builds upon the foundation of Christ (1 Pet 2:5) to form a spiritual house, with gates always open to the world (Rev 21:25).

Nehemiah 12 37 Commentary

Nehemiah 12:37 encapsulates a powerful moment in post-exilic Judah: the triumphant dedication of Jerusalem's walls. This precise description of one choir's procession along the fortified structures signifies far more than just geographical movement. It represents the physical embodiment of a spiritual victory. Walking atop the newly built wall was an act of public worship, solidifying the security and sanctity of the city while visibly claiming it for the Lord. The deliberate choice of a path that ascended ancient "stairs of the City of David" and passed "above the house of David" connected the restored community with its glorious biblical heritage, intertwining the present act of faith with God's faithfulness to David's covenant. The journey's end at the Water Gate, a site steeped in the recent memory of Ezra's reading of the Law, underscored the integral link between physical restoration and renewed commitment to God's Word. This organized act of thanksgiving reinforced collective identity, publicly acknowledging God as the true builder and protector, demonstrating perseverance, unity, and joyful dedication after great struggle.