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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Nehemiah 12:27–43.
We have read of the building of the wall of Jerusalem with a great deal of fear and trembling; we have here an account of the dedicating of it with a great deal of joy and triumph. Those that sow in tears shall thus reap.
I.We must enquire what was the meaning of this dedication of the wall; we will suppose it to include the dedication of the city too (continens pro contentothe thing containing for the thing contained), and therefore it was not done till the city was pretty well replenished, Neh 11:1. It was a solemn thanksgiving to God for his great mercy to them in the perfecting of this undertaking, of which they were the more sensible because of the difficulty and opposition they had met with in it. 2. They hereby devoted the city in a peculiar manner to God and to his honour, and took possession of it for him and in his name. All our cities, all our houses, must have holiness to the Lord written upon them; but this city was (so as never any other was) a holy city, the city of the great King (Psa 48:2 and Mat 5:35): it had been so ever since God chose it to put his name there, and as such, it being now refitted, it was afresh dedicated to God by the builders and inhabitants, in token of their acknowledgment that they were his tenants, and their desire that it might still be is and that the property of it might never be altered. Whatever is done for their safety, ease, and comfort, must be designed for God's honour and glory. 3. They hereby put the city and its walls under the divine protection, owning that unless the Lord kept the city the walls were built in vain. When this city was in possession of the Jebusites, they committed the guardianship of it to their gods, though they were blind and lame ones, Sa2 5:6. With much more reason do the people of God commit it to his keeping who is all-wise and almighty. The superstitious founders of cities had an eye to the lucky position of the heavens (see Mr. Gregory's works, p. 29, etc.); but these pious founders had an eye to God only, to his providence, and not to fortune.
II.We must observe with what solemnity it was performed, under the direction of Neh 1:1-11.
The Levites from all parts of the country were summoned to attend. The city must be dedicated to God, and therefore his ministers must be employed in the dedicating of it, and the surrender must pass through their hands. When those solemn feasts were over (ch. 8 and 9) they went home to their respective posts, to mind their cures in the country; but now their presence and assistance were again called for. 2. Pursuant to this summons, there was a general rendezvous of all the Levites, Neh 12:28, Neh 12:29. Observe in what method they proceeded. (1.) They purified themselves, Neh 12:30. We are concerned to cleanse our hands, and purify our hearts, when any work for God is to pass through them. They purified themselves and then the people. Those that would be instrumental to sanctify others must sanctify themselves, and set themselves apart for God, with purity of mind and sincerity of intention. Then they purified the gates and the wall. Then may we expect comfort when we are prepared to receive it. To the pure all things are pure (Tit 1:15); and, to those who are sanctified, houses and tables, and all their creature comforts and enjoyments, are sanctified, Ti1 4:4, Ti1 4:5. This purification was performed, it is probable, by sprinkling the water of purifying (or of separation, as it is called, Num 19:9) on themselves and the people, the walls and the gates - a type of the blood of Christ, with which our consciences being purged from dead works, we become fit to serve the living God (Heb 9:14) and to be his care. (2.) The princes, priests, and Levites, walked round upon the wall in two companies, with musical instruments, to signify the dedication of it all to God, the whole circuit of it (Neh 12:36); so that it is likely they sung psalms as they went along, to the praise and glory of God. This procession is here largely described. They had a rendezvous at one certain lace, where they divided themselves into two companies. Half of the princes, with several priests and Levites, went on the right hand, Ezra leading their van, Neh 12:36. The other half of the princes and priests, who gave thanks likewise, went to the left hand, Nehemiah bringing up the rear, Neh 12:38. At length both companies met in the temple, where they joined their thanksgivings, Neh 12:40. The crowd of people, it is likely, walked on the ground, some within the wall and others without, one end of this ceremony being to affect them with the mercy they were giving thanks for, and to perpetuate the remembrance of it among them. Processions, for such purposes, have their use. (3.) The people greatly rejoiced, Neh 12:43. While the princes, priests, and Levites, testified their joy and thankfulness by great sacrifices, sound of trumpet, musical instruments, and songs of praise, the common people testified theirs by loud shouts, which were heard afar off, further than the more harmonious sound of their songs and music: and these shouts, coming from a sincere and hearty joy, are here taken notice of; for God overlooks not, but graciously accepts, the honest zealous services of mean people, though there is in them little of art and they are far from being fine. It is observed that the women and children rejoiced; and their hosannas were not despised, but recorded to their praise. All that share in public mercies ought to join in public thanksgivings. The reason given is that God had made them rejoice with great joy. He had given them both matter for joy and hearts to rejoice; his providence had made them safe and easy, and then his grace made them cheerful and thankful. The baffled opposition of their enemies, no doubt, added to their joy and mixed triumph with it. Great mercies call for the most solemn returns of praise, in the courts of the Lord's house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem!
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
And a second chorus of those giving thanks went opposite, etc. It is long to discuss each gate or tower in particular; it suffices to say that those who completed the gates, towers, and wall of the city in great labor, hardship, hunger, cold, daily and nightly watchfulness, against an indefatigable and insidious enemy, then, with the enemy repelled and confounded, walking through the gates, towers, and buildings of the same city, rejoice together in songs and hymns, with psalteries, cymbals, lyres, trumpets, and thanksgiving, together with those who were the makers of the work and the teachers of God's law. It is doubtful to none that this also happens in the same manner in a spiritual edifice. When the time of ultimate retribution comes, as if by the long-desired dedication of the city of God, everlasting faith receives rewards for its works; when, like Nehemiah and Ezra, and the other priests and Levites, each presenting their laborers, all the teachers of the faithful people introduce those whom they have brought to the Lord to the walls of the heavenly homeland. Then, among other things, in the holy walls of the city, even upon the tower of the ovens, in whose structure they had labored before, Nehemiah advances with a chorus of praisers, while the teachers of truth rejoice in the sublime rewards of those they have taught. For if the breads of the ovens, which are baked in secret, signify the inner devotion of the faithful mind, confirmed by the fire of love; whence such breads are commanded by law to be offered as a sacrifice to the Lord (Leviticus II), which are more aptly figured by the ovens in which those same breads are baked than by their own hearts, which are always to burn with the flame of intimate love, and tend to produce acts and words of virtues. About which the prophet beautifully says: "Your Lord is a fire in Zion, and a furnace in Jerusalem" (Isaiah XXXI). And Luke himself about himself: "Was not our heart burning within us, while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?" (Luke XXIV). And against, the hearts of the reprobate also burn, but with the fire of sins. Hence another prophet about them: "All of them are adulterers, like a heated oven" (Hosea VII). Therefore, the builders of the holy city build a tower of ovens among others, when the teachers establish the hearts of their hearers in faith and in the work of truth, so that they may be worthy to receive greater gifts of the Spirit, and daily new feasts of virtues to be brought forth in the joy of the people of God. Rejoicing, and singing praise to the Lord, they advance upon the tower of the ovens on the day of the dedication of Jerusalem, when in the time of future retribution, they rejoice in the eternal beatitude for the glory of those whom they have instructed with the teachings of life. Therefore, the ovens are the hearts of the elect, in which love is poured out by the Holy Spirit, who has been given to them. And the tower of the ovens is the height and guard of good works; which same hearts, lest they may be harmed by evil spirits, lest the flame of virtues be able to be inflated or disturbed by the wind of pride, always need to be fortified with careful and anxious vigilance.
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Summary
Nehemiah 12:38 offers a vivid snapshot of Jerusalem's grand wall dedication, focusing on the route of the second company of thanksgiving. This verse meticulously describes how Nehemiah personally led half of the people along the newly restored fortifications, from the Tower of the Furnaces to the Broad Wall. It encapsulates the profound culmination of communal labor, divine favor, and heartfelt gratitude, symbolizing the city's comprehensive physical and spiritual restoration.
Context
Literary Context
Nehemiah 12 meticulously records the joyous dedication of Jerusalem's rebuilt walls, a monumental achievement following years of desolation and intense opposition. Verses 31-43 specifically detail the elaborate procession, which was strategically divided into two large companies or choirs of thanksgiving. Nehemiah 12:38 focuses on the second of these companies, describing its precise route along the wall. This climactic event follows the successful completion of the wall (detailed in Nehemiah 6), the re-establishment of the Law, and the profound covenant renewal ceremony (as described in Nehemiah 8-10), serving as a triumphant capstone to the entire restoration narrative. The meticulous description of the route underscores both the tangible reality of the rebuilt structure and the comprehensive, unified nature of the dedication.
Historical & Cultural Context
The setting is post-exilic Jerusalem, approximately 445 BC, a city that had long been vulnerable and in ruins. The completion of the wall under Nehemiah's diligent 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 customary in the ancient Near East, often involving elaborate processions, sacrifices, and communal rejoicing to consecrate the structure and acknowledge divine favor and protection. The specific landmarks mentioned—the "Tower of the Furnaces" (likely near the southwestern corner of the city) and the "Broad Wall" (a particularly strong and wide section on the western side)—indicate a precise, well-planned route, emphasizing the tangible reality of the restored defenses and the symbolic act of taking possession and consecrating them to God.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Nehemiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Communal Worship and Thanksgiving, showcasing the unified participation of the entire community in expressing profound gratitude to God for His protection and provision throughout the arduous rebuilding process. The act of two large companies marching on the wall underscores the collective nature of their praise and shared purpose. 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 guiding hand, culminating in this public acknowledgment of His blessing. This echoes the sentiment found in Nehemiah 4:6. 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, a hallmark of his governorship as seen in passages like Nehemiah 5.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root signifies movement in a wide variety of applications, both literal and figurative. In this context, it describes the physical act of the procession moving along the wall, but it also carries the connotation of a purposeful, intentional journey. It highlights the active and deliberate participation of the people in this sacred ceremony, not merely as spectators but as active participants in a walk of worship.
Derived from a root meaning "to extend the hand," this word encompasses avowal, adoration, and 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. Here, the entire procession, composed of "companies of them that gave thanks," was a living, moving "thank offering" to the Lord, embodying their collective gratitude for the completed work.
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, embodying God's protective presence and the renewed covenant relationship with His people.
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 having been described in Nehemiah 12:31-37). The phrase "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 spiritually engaged.
"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 that enrich its meaning and impact. The most prominent is Procession, a ceremonial movement of people that symbolizes unity, purpose, and public declaration. The description of the two companies marching on the wall creates a grand, visual spectacle of communal worship and triumph. 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. The meticulous geographical details also lend a sense of Realism and historical authenticity to the narrative.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Nehemiah 12:38 profoundly illustrates the theological principle that monumental achievements, especially those undertaken for God's glory and through His enabling power, 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, Spirit-led response of gratitude and praise. This act of communal celebration reinforces the idea that the church, as God's redeemed people, is called to acknowledge and rejoice in His providential care and the completion of His purposes, whether in grand projects of kingdom expansion or in the daily provisions of grace. It teaches us that true spiritual restoration and the experience of God's blessing are often accompanied by outward, unified expressions of joy and public declaration of God's goodness, binding the community together in shared worship and a renewed covenant.
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 local and global ministry. This verse challenges us to consider how our thanksgiving can be a public, unified declaration, not merely 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, fostering a spirit of joy and dependence on His unfailing grace.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the significance of the "two companies" in the dedication ceremony?
The division into two large companies, or choirs, was highly significant for several reasons. It symbolized the unified participation of the entire community in worship and thanksgiving, ensuring broad representation. 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.
Why did Nehemiah personally lead one of the companies?
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.
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). 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). 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). 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). 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, making us citizens of a heavenly kingdom (Philippians 3:20).