Nehemiah 12:37

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.

Commentary

Nehemiah 12:37 describes a specific segment of the procession during the joyous dedication of the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem. This verse details the path of one of the two thanksgiving choirs as they ascended a significant portion of the wall, connecting key historical and geographical points of the city.

Context

This verse is part of a detailed account of the grand dedication ceremony for Jerusalem's newly rebuilt walls after the Babylonian exile. Under the leadership of Nehemiah, the Jewish exiles had completed the monumental task of restoration, facing significant opposition. This ceremony marked a pivotal moment of celebration and rededication to God. Two large thanksgiving choirs were formed, one moving clockwise and the other counter-clockwise around the city walls. Verse 37 details the path of the choir led by Ezra, which ascended from the "fountain gate" towards the "water gate eastward," passing by ancient and significant sites.

Key Themes

  • Orderly Worship and Procession: The precise description of the route underscores the deliberate and organized nature of the dedication ceremony, emphasizing that worship, especially communal worship, should be intentional and well-structured. It reflects a people united in purpose and praise.
  • Physical and Spiritual Restoration: The journey along the newly repaired walls symbolizes the spiritual journey of the people who had returned from exile, reclaiming their heritage and rededicating themselves to God. The mention of the Fountain Gate and Water Gate, both previously significant points in the rebuilding effort, connects the physical labor of reconstruction to the spiritual outcome of rededication.
  • Connection to Davidic Heritage: The mention of the 'City of David' and 'house of David' links the present restoration back to Jerusalem's rich history and the foundational promises made to King David (2 Samuel 7:16). This reinforces the continuity of God's covenant with His people and the enduring significance of Jerusalem as God's chosen city.

Linguistic Insights

The verse is rich in geographical markers, such as "fountain gate," "stairs of the city of David," and "water gate eastward." These terms are not just descriptive but signify specific points of ancient Jerusalem's topography, allowing readers to visualize the solemn yet joyful procession. The "City of David" refers to the oldest part of Jerusalem, originally Jebusite, captured by King David (2 Samuel 5:7) and serving as the original core of the city. The detailed route shows a profound familiarity with the city's structure and history.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 12:37 reminds us of the importance of celebrating milestones in our spiritual journeys, whether personal or communal. Just as the Israelites meticulously dedicated their rebuilt wall, we are called to dedicate our lives and our efforts to God. It underscores the value of:

  • Communal Worship: The unified procession highlights the power and beauty of a community coming together in worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness and work among them.
  • God's Faithfulness: The completion of the wall, and the celebration of it, is a testament to God's enabling power and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, even after periods of desolation and hardship. It encourages believers to trust in God's ability to restore.
  • Order and Purpose: Our acts of service and worship, when done with purpose and order, can be powerful testimonies to God's work in our lives and communities, reflecting the intentionality seen in this ancient ceremony.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

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.
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