Nehemiah 12 8

Nehemiah 12:8 kjv

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

Nehemiah 12:8 nkjv

Moreover the Levites were Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah who led the thanksgiving psalms, he and his brethren.

Nehemiah 12:8 niv

The Levites were Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and also Mattaniah, who, together with his associates, was in charge of the songs of thanksgiving.

Nehemiah 12:8 esv

And the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, who with his brothers was in charge of the songs of thanksgiving.

Nehemiah 12:8 nlt

The Levites who returned with them were Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, who with his associates was in charge of the songs of thanksgiving.

Nehemiah 12 verses

Nehemiah 12 8 Meaning

Nehemiah 12:8 lists several Levites by name, specifically identifying Mattaniah and his fellow Levites as responsible for leading and overseeing the "songs of thanksgiving." This verse highlights the re-establishment and organization of musical worship within the rebuilt Jerusalem temple services following the return from exile, emphasizing gratitude and praise to God through communal singing.

Nehemiah 12 8 Context

Nehemiah chapter 12 primarily details the dedication of the rebuilt wall of Jerusalem, which serves as a climax to Nehemiah's work of restoration. Central to this dedication and the ongoing life of the community is the re-establishment of organized temple service. The chapter begins with a genealogical list of priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel (vv. 1-7), indicating the historical continuity of the spiritual leadership. Verse 8, and the verses immediately following (vv. 9-11), continue this enumeration, focusing specifically on the Levites involved in music and administration. This detailed listing underscores the importance of order, structure, and distinct roles within the restored worship system. The "songs of thanksgiving" were integral to the festive atmosphere of the wall dedication and a perpetual component of their renewed covenant life, signifying gratitude for God's faithfulness despite past exilic judgments. The chapter ultimately culminates in the joyous dedication ceremonies and the provision for priestly and Levitical support, demonstrating the restoration of both physical and spiritual aspects of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 12 8 Word analysis

• The Levites (לְוִיִּם, Lĕwiyim): These were descendants of Levi, one of Jacob's twelve sons, consecrated to serve in the tabernacle and later the Temple. Their duties included maintaining the sacred space, assisting priests, guarding the sanctuary, teaching the law, and especially after David's time, leading music and song in worship. This detail highlights the return to established Mosaic and Davidic religious order.
• were Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah: This is a list of prominent Levites, likely leaders or heads of their respective Levitical families or divisions, active in the post-exilic temple service. Such lists emphasize the historical precision and divine providence in re-establishing specific roles and lineages, showing a meticulous reconstruction of communal life.
• who with his brothers: This phrase emphasizes corporate responsibility and communal involvement. "His brothers" refers to other Levites of his lineage or division who worked under his leadership or alongside him. It highlights the organized and collaborative nature of temple service, where roles were clearly defined but also interdependent.
• was in charge of (עַל, ‘al in a leadership sense): This signifies leadership, supervision, or being "over" a specific responsibility. Mattaniah was not merely participating but held an authoritative and organizational role in directing this specific aspect of worship. It implies planning, training, and execution of their duties.
• the songs (שִׁירֵי, shirei): Refers to the musical compositions or hymns themselves. Music was an essential element of Israelite worship, central to expressing praise, prayer, and historical narrative.
• of thanksgiving (תוֹדָה, todah): This is a crucial term. Todah means "thanksgiving," "praise," or "confession." It is often linked with sacrifices of thanksgiving (Lev 7:12-15) and expressions of gratitude to God for deliverance, blessings, or covenant faithfulness. In Psalms, "todah" often accompanies joyful and declarative praise (e.g., Ps 95:2; 100:4). The focus here is not just on singing, but on singing expressions of profound gratitude to God.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• The Levites... and Mattaniah: The introduction of specific names grounds the narrative in historical reality and emphasizes the return to a structured, biblically mandated priesthood and Levitical service. The named individuals represent the re-establishment of divine order.
• who with his brothers was in charge of: This highlights the hierarchy and organization necessary for the efficient and orderly execution of temple duties. It indicates Mattaniah's role as a supervisor or head of a division of musicians, ensuring that worship was well-led and harmonious. This contrasts with chaotic or unorganized worship and reflects a restoration of the ordered worship found in the Davidic era (1 Chr 25).
• the songs of thanksgiving: This phrase identifies the specific nature of their musical ministry. It points to a deep spiritual foundation of gratitude at the heart of their worship. It is a reminder that the rebuilt wall and city were a cause for thanksgiving to God for His faithfulness in restoration, acknowledging His active role in their return and re-establishment.

Nehemiah 12 8 Bonus section

The mention of "songs of thanksgiving" (Hebrew: shirei todah) connects to the broader concept of todah offerings, which were peace offerings presented with thanksgiving to God (Lev 7:12). While the physical sacrifice was perhaps limited due to temple reconstruction, the spiritual "sacrifice of thanksgiving" through song would have been vibrant and essential. This reflects a shift or emphasis from material offerings to vocal praise, a theme also present in later prophetic writings and the Psalms (Ps 50:14; Hos 14:2; Heb 13:15), indicating that genuine gratitude expressed verbally is a highly valued form of worship. The meticulous naming of individuals like Mattaniah emphasizes not just institutional roles, but the personal dedication required to fulfill the responsibilities of worship leadership. It shows that even seemingly minor roles were valued and meticulously recorded, speaking to the divine regard for faithfulness in all areas of service.

Nehemiah 12 8 Commentary

Nehemiah 12:8 serves as a testament to the restoration of orderly, joyful, and God-centered worship in post-exilic Jerusalem. The detailed listing of Levites, particularly Mattaniah and his "brothers," underscores the deliberate re-establishment of the structured worship laid out in earlier Israelite history, particularly from the time of David. The Levites' crucial role in musical leadership, specifically focusing on "songs of thanksgiving," highlights a central aspect of their restored spiritual life: profound gratitude to God. This wasn't merely entertainment, but an act of corporate spiritual expression—a public acknowledgement of God's steadfast love and faithfulness that brought them back from exile and enabled their rebuilding efforts. The verse implicitly asserts the importance of organized and dedicated service to God, affirming that a renewed relationship with God expresses itself in communal praise and thankfulness, foundational to a thriving spiritual community.