Nehemiah 12:38

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

And the other {H8145} company of them that gave thanks {H8426} went {H1980} over against {H4136} them, and I after {H310} them, and the half {H2677} of the people {H5971} upon the wall {H2346}, from beyond the tower {H4026} of the furnaces {H8574} even unto the broad {H7342} wall {H2346};

Complete Jewish Bible

The other thanksgiving choir, consisting of half the people, walked on the wall to meet them, with myself following. They went above the Tower of the Furnaces to the Broad Wall,

Berean Standard Bible

The second thanksgiving choir proceeded to the left, and I followed it with half the people along the top of the wall, past the Tower of the Ovens to the Broad Wall,

American Standard Version

And the other company of them that gave thanks went to meet them, and I after them, with the half of the people, upon the wall, above the tower of the furnaces, even unto the broad wall,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 12:38 vividly portrays a crucial moment in the dedication of Jerusalem's rebuilt walls: the procession of one of the two great companies of thanksgiving. This verse details the route of this company, led personally by Nehemiah, as they marched along the newly restored fortifications from the Tower of the Furnaces to the Broad Wall. It encapsulates the culmination of immense communal effort, divine favor, and profound gratitude, marking the city's physical and spiritual restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 12 chronicles the joyous dedication of Jerusalem's rebuilt walls, a monumental achievement following years of desolation and intense opposition. Verses 31-43 specifically detail the grand procession, which was divided into two large companies or choirs of thanksgiving. Nehemiah 12:38 focuses on the second of these companies, describing its specific route along the wall. This event follows the successful completion of the wall (Nehemiah 6), the re-establishment of the Law, and the covenant renewal ceremony (Nehemiah 8-10), serving as a triumphal capstone to the restoration narrative. The meticulous description of the route underscores the physical reality of the rebuilt structure and the comprehensive nature of the dedication.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is post-exilic Jerusalem, circa 445 BC, a city recently vulnerable and in ruins. The completion of the wall under Nehemiah's leadership was not merely an engineering feat but a profound act of national and religious restoration for the Jewish people who had returned from Babylonian exile. Dedication ceremonies for significant structures like city walls or temples were common in the ancient Near East, often involving elaborate processions, sacrifices, and communal rejoicing to consecrate the structure and acknowledge divine favor. The specific landmarks mentioned—the "Tower of the Furnaces" (likely near the southwestern corner) and the "Broad Wall" (a strong section on the western side of the city)—indicate a precise, well-planned route, emphasizing the tangible reality of the restored defenses and the symbolic act of taking possession and consecrating them.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Nehemiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Communal Worship and Thanksgiving**, showcasing the unified participation of the entire community in expressing profound gratitude to God for His protection and provision in the arduous rebuilding process. The act of two large companies marching on the wall underscores the collective nature of their praise. Secondly, it exemplifies the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Human Effort**, as the successful completion of the wall, despite formidable opposition, is unequivocally attributed to God's hand, culminating in this public acknowledgment of His blessing. Thirdly, the dedication of the wall powerfully symbolizes **Restoration and Re-establishment**, not just of physical defenses but of Jerusalem's identity as the holy city and the Jewish people as a covenant community dedicated to God. Finally, Nehemiah's personal leadership in the procession underscores **Leadership by Example**, demonstrating his commitment to both the physical and spiritual well-being of the people, as seen throughout [his governorship](/nehemiah/5 "Nehemiah 5 - Nehemiah's Leadership").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Company (Hebrew, _mishmar'_):** While the KJV uses "company," the underlying Hebrew term in related contexts (like Nehemiah 12:31) and the overall narrative suggests "choir" or "procession" of those giving thanks. It denotes an organized group or division, specifically one engaged in a ceremonial or worshipful act. Here, it signifies a structured body of participants in the grand dedication.
* **Thanks (Hebrew, _todah'_):** This word is rich in meaning, encompassing not just general gratitude but specifically a "thank offering" or a public declaration of praise. It implies a formal, often musical, expression of acknowledgment for God's faithfulness and deliverance. In this context, the entire procession was a living, moving "thank offering" to the Lord.
* **Wall (Hebrew, _chomah'_):** Beyond its literal meaning as a defensive barrier, the "wall" in Nehemiah is a potent symbol. It represents security, restoration, identity, and the re-establishment of boundaries for the covenant community. Its completion and dedication signify the end of vulnerability and the beginning of a new era for Jerusalem.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the other [company of them that gave] thanks went over against [them]":** This clause introduces the second of the two great thanksgiving companies (the first being described in Nehemiah 12:31-37). "Went over against them" suggests that this company moved in a direction opposite to or parallel to the first company, creating a grand, encompassing movement around the city. This choreography was designed to have the two companies meet at a significant point, likely near the Temple, symbolizing the unified praise of the entire community converging at the heart of their worship.
* **"and I after them":** This phrase highlights Nehemiah's personal and active participation in the dedication ceremony. As the governor and primary leader of the rebuilding effort, his decision to lead this company underscores his deep spiritual commitment and his desire to set an example of worship and gratitude for the people. It demonstrates that his leadership was not merely administrative but also pastoral and spiritual.
* **"and the half of the people upon the wall":** This detail emphasizes the widespread communal involvement in the dedication. It indicates that a significant portion of the population was physically present and participating directly on the newly completed fortifications. This visual spectacle would have been a powerful testament to their unity, their joy, and their collective ownership of the restored city and its spiritual significance.
* **"from beyond the tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall;":** This specifies the precise geographical segment of the wall traversed by this company. The "Tower of the Furnaces" (also known as the Tower of the Ovens) was likely located on the western side of the city, and the "Broad Wall" was a notable, exceptionally wide section of the western wall. This detailed route description grounds the spiritual event in physical reality, allowing the original audience to visualize the procession and reinforcing the tangible achievement of the rebuilding.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Procession**, a ceremonial movement of people that symbolizes unity, purpose, and public declaration. The two companies marching on the wall create a grand, visual spectacle of communal worship. **Symbolism** is also heavily at play; the wall itself is not just a physical barrier but a powerful symbol of divine protection, restoration, and the re-establishment of the covenant community. The act of walking *on* the wall symbolizes taking spiritual possession of the city and consecrating it to God. Furthermore, the implied **Parallelism** of the two companies moving in opposite or complementary directions around the city creates a sense of completeness and pervasive praise, enveloping Jerusalem in a unified act of thanksgiving.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 12:38 profoundly illustrates the theological principle that monumental achievements, especially those undertaken for God's glory, culminate in corporate worship and thanksgiving. The physical rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall was a tangible expression of God's faithfulness to His covenant people, and the dedication ceremony was their appropriate response of gratitude and praise. This act of communal celebration reinforces the idea that the church, as God's people, is called to acknowledge and rejoice in His providential care and the completion of His purposes, whether in grand projects or daily provisions. It teaches us that true spiritual restoration is often accompanied by outward expressions of joy and public declaration of God's goodness, binding the community together in shared worship.

* [Psalm 100:4](/psalm/100-4 "Psalm 100:4 - Enter His gates with thanksgiving")
* [Ezra 3:10-13](/ezra/3-10 "Ezra 3:10-13 - Laying the Temple Foundation with Praise")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Prayer with Thanksgiving")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 12:38 offers a timeless blueprint for how communities of faith should respond to God's faithfulness and the completion of His work among them. It reminds us that after periods of intense labor, struggle, or even spiritual warfare, there must be intentional moments of collective celebration and thanksgiving. Just as the Israelites publicly acknowledged God's hand in rebuilding their physical walls, we are called to recognize and rejoice in His provision and strength in our own "building projects"—whether they involve personal spiritual growth, the strengthening of family bonds, or the expansion of God's kingdom through ministry. This verse challenges us to consider how our thanksgiving can be a public, unified declaration, not just a private sentiment, and how our leaders can set an example by actively participating in and prioritizing corporate worship and gratitude. It underscores that the ultimate purpose of our endeavors is to bring glory to God and to deepen our communal covenant with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we, as individuals and communities, intentionally celebrate God's faithfulness after periods of significant effort or challenge?**
* **In what ways can our "thanksgiving" be a public declaration, not just a private sentiment, and how might this strengthen our communal bonds?**
* **What "walls" (spiritual, relational, communal) is God calling us to rebuild today, and how does Nehemiah's example inspire our leadership and participation in these endeavors?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the "two companies" in the dedication ceremony?**

Answer: The division into two large companies, or choirs, was highly significant. It symbolized the unified participation of the entire community in worship and thanksgiving. By having the groups, perhaps moving in opposite directions along the wall, they effectively enveloped the city in praise, creating a powerful visual and auditory spectacle. This choreography ensured broad participation from all segments of the population and served as a complete dedication and consecration of Jerusalem and its restored defenses to God. It was a grand, immersive act of worship, demonstrating the collective joy and gratitude of a people who had witnessed God's faithfulness in the arduous rebuilding process, as detailed in [Nehemiah 12:31-43](/nehemiah/12-31 "Nehemiah 12:31-43 - The Dedication of the Wall").

**Why did Nehemiah personally lead one of the companies?**

Answer: Nehemiah's decision to personally lead one of the thanksgiving companies underscored his deep commitment to God and his solidarity with the people. As the governor and the driving force behind the rebuilding, his leadership extended beyond administrative and political responsibilities to active spiritual participation. By placing himself at the forefront of worship, he demonstrated that the project was not merely a civic achievement but a divine undertaking, culminating in worship and gratitude. This act of leading by example reinforced the spiritual significance of the wall's dedication and encouraged the people in their own expressions of faith and thanksgiving, a consistent theme throughout [the book of Nehemiah](/nehemiah/1 "The Book of Nehemiah - Rebuilding Jerusalem").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dedication of Jerusalem's wall, as described in Nehemiah 12:38, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the spiritual reality of His kingdom. The physical wall, built for security and to define a distinct people, foreshadows Christ as our ultimate security and the one who establishes the boundaries of God's new covenant community. Just as the wall brought the people together in a unified act of worship, Christ is the true "cornerstone" upon whom God's spiritual temple, the Church, is built ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone")). He is the one who breaks down the dividing walls of hostility between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down Walls")). The joyous procession of thanksgiving points to the ultimate and eternal celebration of God's redemptive work achieved through Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Our "thanksgiving" now is not merely for a rebuilt physical city, but for the spiritual city of God, the New Jerusalem, whose builder and maker is God ([Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Hebrews 11:10 - The City with Foundations")). The dedication of the wall prefigures the ongoing building of God's kingdom, where believers are living stones being built into a spiritual house for God's glory ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). Ultimately, the entire narrative of Nehemiah, culminating in this joyous dedication, points to the greater work of restoration and reconciliation accomplished by Christ, inviting us into a perpetual state of thanksgiving for His finished work and the spiritual security found in Him.

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 3:8

Next unto him repaired Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, of the goldsmiths. Next unto him also repaired Hananiah the son of [one of] the apothecaries, and they fortified Jerusalem unto the broad wall.

Nehemiah 3:11

Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahathmoab, repaired the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces.

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: