Nehemiah 12:31

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:

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}:

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.

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.

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

Context

Nehemiah 12:31 is part of the grand dedication ceremony for the newly rebuilt walls of Jerusalem. After years of desolation and a challenging period of reconstruction under Nehemiah's diligent leadership, the physical defenses of the city were finally completed. This chapter describes the elaborate and joyful celebration of this significant achievement, demonstrating the people's immense gratitude and renewed commitment to God. The events detailed here show Nehemiah's meticulous planning for a proper spiritual dedication, involving the entire community, from the leaders to the common people, in an act of thanksgiving and worship.

Key Themes

  • Thanksgiving and Praise: The central act described is the appointment of "two great companies of them that gave thanks." This emphasizes that the completion of the wall was seen not merely as a human accomplishment but as a divine provision, worthy of profound and public gratitude to God. It was a communal expression of joy and acknowledgment of God's faithfulness.
  • Order and Purposeful Leadership: Nehemiah's careful organization ("I brought up the princes... and appointed two great companies") highlights his effective leadership. He ensured that the dedication was meaningful, orderly, and involved key community figures, mirroring his strategic planning throughout the rebuilding process, which began with his initial prayer and commission from the king, as seen in Nehemiah 2:8.
  • Community Participation and Unity: The involvement of the "princes of Judah" and "great companies" signifies a unified effort, not only in building but also in worship. The entire community, from its leaders downwards, participated in this act of dedication, reinforcing their restored covenant relationship with God and their collective identity.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "companies of them that gave thanks" refers to organized groups, likely choirs or musical processions, whose primary function was to express public gratitude and praise to God. The Hebrew word often associated with "thanks" in this context (tôdâ) denotes a confession or praise, often accompanied by sacrifices or offerings of thanksgiving. This was not a casual expression but a formal, structured act of worship, underscoring the deep spiritual significance of the wall's completion and the people's recognition of God's hand in it.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 12:31 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of celebrating God's faithfulness in our lives and communities. When we experience breakthroughs, the completion of significant endeavors, or divine provision, our response should be one of profound gratitude and corporate thanksgiving. This verse underscores the value of organized worship and the role of leadership in facilitating communal expressions of gratitude. Just as the rebuilt wall provided physical security for Jerusalem, our acts of praise and worship strengthen our spiritual foundations and remind us of God's enduring care and provision. It encourages us to acknowledge God as the ultimate source of all blessings, much like the psalmist encourages us to enter His gates with thanksgiving.

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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.
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