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;

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};

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,

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,

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

Nehemiah 12:38 describes a pivotal moment during the dedication of Jerusalem's rebuilt walls, illustrating the culmination of immense effort and divine favor. This verse focuses on the procession of thanksgiving, a vibrant display of communal joy and worship that marked the city's restoration.

Context

Following the successful completion of the walls of Jerusalem under Nehemiah's leadership, despite significant opposition and challenges (Nehemiah 4:6), the people gathered for a grand dedication ceremony. Nehemiah 12 details this joyous event, which involved two large companies or choirs of thanksgiving. Verse 38 specifically describes the route of one of these companies, led by Nehemiah himself, along the city's newly repaired fortifications. The procession moved from the Tower of the Furnaces (also known as the Tower of the Ovens) to the Broad Wall, covering a substantial portion of the wall's perimeter and emphasizing the community's unified praise.

Key Themes

  • Communal Celebration and Thanksgiving: The verse highlights the collective participation of the people in an act of worship and gratitude. The dedication was not a solitary event but a unified expression of thanks for God's protection and provision in the arduous task of rebuilding. This echoes the broader biblical call to enter His gates with thanksgiving.
  • Divine Blessing on Labor: The successful completion of the wall, after much toil and spiritual warfare, is clearly attributed to God's hand. The procession serves as a public acknowledgment that their efforts were blessed, culminating in this joyful dedication.
  • Leadership by Example: Nehemiah's decision to personally lead one of these thanksgiving companies underscores his deep commitment and active participation in the spiritual life of the community. His leadership extended beyond mere administration to spiritual guidance and worship.
  • Restoration and Identity: The dedication of the wall was a powerful symbol of Jerusalem's restoration after the Babylonian exile. It re-established the city's physical integrity and reinforced the identity of the Jewish people as a community dedicated to God.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "company of them that gave thanks" translates from the Hebrew `todah` (ΧͺΦΌΧ•ΦΉΧ“ΦΈΧ”), which broadly encompasses thanksgiving, praise, and a thank offering. While not explicitly mentioned in the KJV text of this verse, the underlying concept of profound gratitude and public acclamation for God's faithfulness is central to the entire dedication ceremony described in Nehemiah 12. This was a "thank offering" in the broadest sense, a communal act of praise.

Significance and Application

Nehemiah 12:38 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It underscores the importance of celebrating milestones and acknowledging God's faithfulness in our lives and communities. Just as the Israelites celebrated the completion of the wall, we are called to give thanks for God's provision and strength in our own "building projects," whether personal, familial, or communal. It also reminds us that true leadership involves active participation in spiritual life and leading by example in worship and gratitude. The dedication of the wall was not just about brick and mortar; it was about renewing a covenant with God and re-establishing a place of worship and community, a principle relevant for any endeavor undertaken for God's glory.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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:
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