Why is the route of the choir described in such detail?

The detailed description of the route in Nehemiah 12:37 and surrounding verses serves several important purposes. Firstly, it provides a precise historical record of the dedication ceremony, allowing future generations to understand the event's logistics. Secondly, it emphasizes the

orderly and intentional nature

of the worship. The meticulous planning of the procession underscored the reverence and seriousness with which the community approached this act of rededication. Thirdly, the specific mention of landmarks like the Fountain Gate, the "City of David," and the Water Gate connects the present celebration to Jerusalem's rich history and the foundational promises of God, particularly those associated with the Davidic covenant. It highlights that the physical act of traversing the newly restored wall was a profound spiritual act of reclaiming their heritage and rededicating the entire city to God.

12:36 12:36

Nehemiah 12:37

12:38 12:38

Bible Versions

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.

And at the fountain {H5869} gate {H8179}, which was over against them, they went up {H5927} by the stairs {H4609} of the city {H5892} of David {H1732}, at the going up {H4608} of the wall {H2346}, above the house {H1004} of David {H1732}, even unto the water {H4325} gate {H8179} eastward {H4217}.

At the Fountain Gate they went straight ahead up the steps to the City of David, where the wall goes up, passed above the house of David, and went on to the Water Gate on the east.

At the Fountain Gate they climbed the steps of the City of David on the ascent to the wall and passed above the house of David to the Water Gate on the east.

And by the fountain gate, and straight before them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the ascent of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward.

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Nehemiah 2:14

Then I went on to the gate of the fountain, and to the king's pool: but [there was] no place for the beast [that was] under me to pass.
Nehemiah 3:26

Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto [the place] over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.
Nehemiah 8:1

¶ And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that [was] before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.
Nehemiah 8:16

So the people went forth, and brought [them], and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim.
Nehemiah 8:3

And he read therein before the street that [was] before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people [were attentive] unto the book of the law.
2 Samuel 5:7

Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same [is] the city of David.
2 Samuel 5:9

So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.

Bible Versions

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