Nehemiah 12:31

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Then I brought up {H5927} the princes {H8269} of Judah {H3063} upon the wall {H2346}, and appointed {H5975} two {H8147} great {H1419} companies of them that gave thanks {H8426}, whereof one went {H8418} on the right hand {H3225} upon the wall {H2346} toward the dung {H830} gate {H8179}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and after that I brought the leaders of Y'hudah up onto the wall and appointed two large choirs to give thanks and to walk in procession. One went to the right on the wall toward the Dung Gate.

Berean Standard Bible

Then I brought the leaders of Judah up on the wall, and I appointed two great thanksgiving choirs. One was to proceed along the top of the wall to the right, toward the Dung Gate.

American Standard Version

Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and appointed two great companies that gave thanks and went in procession; whereof one went on the right hand upon the wall toward the dung gate:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 12:31 details a pivotal moment in the dedication of Jerusalem's rebuilt walls, depicting Nehemiah's strategic leadership in organizing a grand procession of thanksgiving. He assembled the princes of Judah and divided the Levitical singers and musicians into two large companies, directing one group to proceed along the newly restored wall towards the Dung Gate, initiating a communal act of praise that underscored the city's physical and spiritual restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 12:31 is nestled within the triumphant account of Jerusalem's wall dedication, which spans from [Nehemiah 12:27](/nehemiah/12-27 "Nehemiah 12:27 - Dedication of the Wall") to [Nehemiah 12:43](/nehemiah/12-43 "Nehemiah 12:43 - Great Rejoicing"). Following the completion of the physical reconstruction (Nehemiah 6:15), this chapter shifts focus to the spiritual consecration of the city and its defenses. Verses 27-30 describe the gathering of the Levites and singers from various locations, emphasizing the meticulous preparation for this sacred event, including the purification of the people, gates, and wall. Verse 31 initiates the dual procession, with the subsequent verses ([Nehemiah 12:32-42](/nehemiah/12-32 "Nehemiah 12:32-42 - The Two Processions on the Wall")) detailing the specific routes and participants of both companies, culminating in their convergence at the Temple for a mighty chorus of praise and sacrifice. This verse, therefore, marks the commencement of the central act of worship, demonstrating Nehemiah's careful orchestration of a unified and joyous celebration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah's leadership (c. 445 BC) was a monumental achievement for the post-exilic Jewish community. After decades of Babylonian captivity and subsequent Persian rule, the city lay vulnerable and its inhabitants demoralized. The completion of the wall, despite fierce opposition, symbolized not only physical security but also the restoration of national identity, divine favor, and covenant faithfulness. Culturally, public processions, often accompanied by music and singing, were a common form of celebration and worship in ancient Near Eastern societies, particularly in Israelite tradition for temple dedications or covenant renewals. The act of walking "upon the wall" was highly symbolic, transforming a defensive structure into a stage for sacred worship, publicly reclaiming the city for God and His people, and marking a new era of security and spiritual commitment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Nehemiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Thanksgiving and Praise** as the appropriate response to divine provision and completed work. The "great companies of them that gave thanks" underscore that the wall's completion was viewed as God's doing, worthy of profound and public gratitude, echoing the call to praise found throughout the [Psalms](/psalms "The Book of Psalms - Songs of Praise"). Secondly, it exemplifies **Order and Purposeful Leadership**, with Nehemiah meticulously organizing the procession, demonstrating his commitment to spiritual order as much as physical reconstruction. His leadership, which began with prayer and a clear vision from [Nehemiah 1](/nehemiah/1 "Nehemiah 1 - Nehemiah's Prayer and Commission"), consistently prioritized God's glory and the community's spiritual well-being. Finally, the verse emphasizes **Community Participation and Unity**. The involvement of "princes of Judah" and "great companies" signifies a unified effort, not only in building but also in worship, reinforcing the restored covenant relationship and collective identity of God's people, a theme central to the post-exilic books like [Ezra](/ezra "The Book of Ezra - Return from Exile").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Princes (Hebrew, _sarim'_):** This term refers to leaders, officials, or chiefs, indicating individuals of high social and political standing within the community. Their presence "upon the wall" signifies the full endorsement and participation of the Judahite aristocracy in this act of dedication, lending authority and solemnity to the proceedings. It underscores that the celebration was not merely a popular gathering but an officially sanctioned and led act of worship, uniting all levels of society.
* **Companies (Hebrew, _tôdâ'_):** While the KJV translates "companies of them that gave thanks," the Hebrew word _tôdâ_ (תּוֹדָה) fundamentally means "thanksgiving," "praise," or "confession." In this context, it refers to organized groups or processions whose purpose was to offer public praise and gratitude, often accompanied by music and singing. These were not merely random groups but structured choirs or musical ensembles, likely composed of Levites, whose very function was to embody and lead the community in formal, corporate worship, emphasizing the profound spiritual nature of the event.
* **Dung Gate (Hebrew, _sha'ar ha'ashpoth'_):** This gate, located on the south side of Jerusalem, was where city refuse was taken out and burned. Its mention here is significant because it marks a specific, perhaps humble, starting point for one of the processions. While seemingly mundane, its inclusion highlights the thoroughness of the dedication—every part of the wall, even that associated with waste, was consecrated. It also contrasts the ordinary, practical function of the gate with its elevated role in this sacred procession, signifying God's reclamation and sanctification of even the lowliest aspects of the city.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall":** This clause highlights Nehemiah's active and decisive leadership. As governor, he not only oversaw the physical reconstruction but also meticulously planned and initiated the spiritual dedication. The "princes of Judah" represent the civil and religious leadership, whose presence on the wall symbolized their public commitment to the restored city and their participation in the sacred act, lending authority and unity to the procession. Their position "upon the wall" was not merely logistical but deeply symbolic, demonstrating their ownership and celebration of the completed work.
* **"and appointed two great companies of them that gave thanks":** Nehemiah's organizational genius is again evident. He deliberately created two distinct groups dedicated to thanksgiving, likely comprising singers, musicians, and Levites, as further detailed in the subsequent verses. The term "great companies" (Hebrew: *tôdâ*) indicates their significant size and the prominence of their role. This division allowed for a grand, encompassing procession that would traverse the entire length of the wall, ensuring a comprehensive and resounding expression of communal praise.
* **"whereof one went on the right hand upon the wall toward the dung gate":** This specifies the starting direction and destination for the first of the two companies. The "right hand" (likely south or clockwise from a central point) indicates a specific, pre-determined route. The "Dung Gate" serves as a precise landmark, showing the meticulous planning of the procession. This detail underscores the orderly and purposeful nature of the dedication, ensuring that the entire circumference of the wall was sanctified through this act of worship and thanksgiving.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 12:31 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Procession**, which is central to the entire dedication narrative. The description of "two great companies" moving "upon the wall" creates a vivid image of a grand, ceremonial march, symbolizing unity, purpose, and the communal act of worship. This physical movement along the newly rebuilt structure transforms the defensive wall into a sacred pathway for praise. There is also an element of **Symbolism** present; the wall itself, having been rebuilt amidst great struggle, symbolizes God's faithfulness, the restoration of His people, and their renewed security. The act of giving thanks "upon the wall" therefore symbolizes the consecration of this restored security to God. Furthermore, the division into "two great companies" introduces a subtle **Antiphonal Structure**, suggesting a call-and-response or parallel movement that would have amplified the sound of praise, creating a powerful and immersive experience for the participants and observers, emphasizing the collective and harmonious nature of their worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 12:31 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical principle that all significant achievements, especially those involving divine providence, should be met with profound and public thanksgiving. The completion of Jerusalem's wall was not merely an architectural feat but a visible sign of God's covenant faithfulness and His power to restore His people from desolation. The act of organizing "companies of them that gave thanks" demonstrates that true spiritual restoration involves not only physical rebuilding but also a renewed commitment to worship and acknowledgment of God as the ultimate source of all blessings. This corporate expression of gratitude served to solidify the community's identity as God's people, bound by covenant and united in praise, reminding them that their security and future depended ultimately on their relationship with Him, not just on physical defenses.

* [Psalm 100:4](/psalms/100-4 "Psalm 100:4 - Enter His gates with thanksgiving") - "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name."
* [Ezra 3:10-11](/ezra/3-10 "Ezra 3:10-11 - Laying the Foundation of the Temple") - "And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the Lord, after the ordinance of David king of Israel. And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel."
* [1 Chronicles 23:30](/1_chronicles/23-30 "1 Chronicles 23:30 - Levites to Stand and Thank the Lord") - "And to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord, and likewise at evening."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 12:31 offers a timeless lesson on the importance of celebrating God's faithfulness in our lives and communities. Just as the Israelites dedicated their rebuilt wall with profound thanksgiving, we too are called to recognize and respond with gratitude when God brings breakthroughs, completes significant endeavors, or provides for us in unexpected ways. This verse reminds us that our accomplishments are often the result of divine enablement, and therefore, our praise should be directed back to the Giver of all good things. The organized nature of the thanksgiving companies underscores the value of corporate worship and the role of leadership in facilitating communal expressions of gratitude. It challenges us to move beyond individual appreciation to collective acknowledgment, strengthening our spiritual foundations and reminding us that God is the ultimate source of our security and well-being. In a world prone to taking blessings for granted, Nehemiah's example calls us to intentional, public, and joyous thanksgiving.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I intentionally celebrate God's faithfulness in my personal life and within my community?**
* **What "walls" or significant projects has God helped me or my community complete, and how have we expressed our gratitude for His provision?**
* **In what ways can I contribute to or lead corporate expressions of thanksgiving in my church or spiritual community?**
* **How does recognizing God as the ultimate source of blessings impact my perspective on daily challenges and successes?**

### FAQ
**Why were there "two great companies" of thanksgivers, and what was their purpose?**

Answer: The text indicates Nehemiah appointed "two great companies of them that gave thanks" to participate in the wall's dedication. This division allowed for a grand, comprehensive procession that would traverse the entire circumference of the newly rebuilt wall. As described in [Nehemiah 12:38-39](/nehemiah/12-38 "Nehemiah 12:38-39 - The Two Processions Meet"), one company went clockwise and the other counter-clockwise, meeting at the Temple area. Their purpose was to lead the entire community in a resounding chorus of praise and thanksgiving to God for His faithfulness in enabling the completion of the wall, which symbolized the restoration and security of Jerusalem. This dual procession created a powerful, encompassing act of worship, ensuring that every part of the wall was consecrated and every participant was enveloped in the celebration of divine provision.

**What is the significance of the "Dung Gate" being mentioned as a landmark for the procession?**

Answer: The Dung Gate (also known as the Gate of the Ashes or Refuse Gate) was located on the south side of Jerusalem and was primarily used for removing waste and refuse from the city. Its mention in [Nehemiah 12:31](/nehemiah/12-31 "Nehemiah 12:31 - The Procession Begins") as a starting point or destination for one of the thanksgiving companies is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights the meticulous planning of Nehemiah, ensuring that the entire wall, from its most prominent sections to its most humble and utilitarian gates, was included in the dedication. Secondly, it symbolizes the comprehensive nature of God's restoration—He reclaims and sanctifies even the parts of life or society that might be considered lowly or defiled. The act of sacred praise passing by such a gate elevates its status, demonstrating that God's blessing and presence extend to every aspect of the rebuilt city and the lives of its inhabitants.

**What does the phrase "gave thanks" imply in this context beyond simple gratitude?**

Answer: The phrase "gave thanks" (Hebrew: *tôdâ*) in Nehemiah 12:31 implies more than just a casual expression of gratitude. In ancient Israelite worship, *tôdâ* was a formal act of praise, often accompanied by sacrifices, musical instruments, and singing, as seen in various psalms like [Psalm 100](/psalms/100 "Psalm 100 - A Psalm of Thanksgiving"). It denotes a public confession of God's goodness and faithfulness, acknowledging His mighty acts and delivering power. In this context, it refers to organized groups, likely choirs and musicians, whose primary function was to lead the community in this structured, liturgical act of worship. It underscores the deep spiritual significance of the wall's completion, recognizing it as a divine provision worthy of profound, communal, and formal acknowledgment of God's hand in their restoration, rather than merely a human achievement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 12:31, with its depiction of a people celebrating the completion of a physical wall through organized thanksgiving, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the spiritual reality of God's ultimate building project: His Church, the body of Christ. Just as the wall provided security and identity for post-exilic Jerusalem, Christ Himself is our true and eternal [cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone") and the foundation upon which God is building a spiritual house, a "holy temple in the Lord" ([Ephesians 2:21](/ephesians/2-21 "Ephesians 2:21 - A Holy Temple in the Lord")). The "companies of them that gave thanks" foreshadow the New Testament church, which is called to be a community of ceaseless praise and thanksgiving, not for a physical structure, but for the spiritual salvation and reconciliation accomplished through Christ's sacrifice. We, as believers, are living stones being built into this spiritual edifice ([1_peter/2-5](/1-peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")), and our worship is the ongoing dedication of this new creation. The ultimate "Dung Gate" that Christ passed through was the shame and defilement of the cross, where He took away the sin of the world, making it possible for us to enter into God's presence with thanksgiving and praise, not based on our works, but on His finished work. Thus, the joyful procession in Nehemiah points forward to the eternal worship of the redeemed, who will forever give thanks to the [Lamb who was slain](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - Worthy is the Lamb") and who has built for us an everlasting kingdom, a city with foundations whose architect and builder is God ([Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Hebrews 11:10 - The City with Foundations")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Nehemiah 2:13

And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well, and to the dung port, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire.

Nehemiah 12:38

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;

Nehemiah 12:40

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:

1 Chronicles 13:1

¶ And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, [and] with every leader.

Nehemiah 3:13

The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall unto the dung gate.

Nehemiah 3:14

But the dung gate repaired Malchiah the son of Rechab, the ruler of part of Bethhaccerem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

2 Chronicles 5:2

Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which [is] Zion.