Nehemiah 12:43

Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.

Also that day {H3117} they offered {H2076} great {H1419} sacrifices {H2077}, and rejoiced {H8055}: for God {H430} had made them rejoice {H8055} with great {H1419} joy {H8057}: the wives {H802} also and the children {H3206} rejoiced {H8055}: so that the joy {H8057} of Jerusalem {H3389} was heard {H8085} even afar off {H7350}.

With joy they offered great sacrifices that day, for God had made them celebrate with great joy. The women and children too rejoiced, so that the celebrating in Yerushalayim could be heard far off.

On that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from afar.

And they offered great sacrifices that day, and rejoiced; for God had made them rejoice with great joy; and the women also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.

Commentary

Nehemiah 12:43 captures a moment of profound and widespread jubilation during the dedication of the newly rebuilt walls of Jerusalem. This verse marks the culmination of immense effort, perseverance, and divine intervention, resulting in a joy that resonated throughout the city and beyond.

Context of Nehemiah 12:43

This verse is part of the grand celebration described in Nehemiah chapter 12, detailing the dedication ceremony for the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem. After years of desolation following the Babylonian exile and recent intense opposition during the construction, the completion of the walls (as recounted in Nehemiah 6:15) was a monumental achievement. The dedication involved a massive procession of two choirs on the walls, led by Nehemiah and Ezra, culminating in sacrifices and worship at the Temple. This event signified not only physical restoration but also a spiritual revival among the returned exiles, who had recently recommitted to the Law under Ezra's leadership (Nehemiah 8).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Source of Joy: The most striking aspect is the declaration, "for God had made them rejoice with great joy." This emphasizes that their happiness was not merely circumstantial but a supernatural gift. True, lasting joy comes from the Lord, as also seen in Psalm 126:3, "The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad."
  • Corporate Worship and Thanksgiving: The "great sacrifices" offered signify deep gratitude and atonement, central to Old Testament worship. The celebration involved the entire communityโ€”men, "wives also and the children"โ€”highlighting the unity and collective spirit of thanksgiving for God's faithfulness and protection.
  • Restoration and Fulfillment: The joy stemmed from witnessing God's promise of restoration fulfilled. The walls provided security and marked a new era for the Jewish people in their homeland, a testament to God's enduring covenant.
  • A Witness to Others: The intensity of their gladness was so great that "the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off." This audible and visible demonstration of joy served as a powerful testimony to surrounding nations, showcasing the blessing and presence of God among His people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "rejoice" (ืฉึธื‚ืžึทื—, samach) is repeated multiple times in this verse and the surrounding context, underscoring the profound and pervasive nature of their gladness. The phrase "great joy" (ืฉึดื‚ืžึฐื—ึธื” ื’ึฐื“ื•ึนืœึธื”, simchah gedolah) further intensifies this, indicating an overwhelming and overflowing happiness. The active voice of "God had made them rejoice" (ื•ึทื™ึฐืฉึทื‚ืžึฐึผื—ึตื ืึฑืœึนื”ึดื™ื, vay'samchem Elohim) firmly attributes the origin of this joy to divine action, not merely human emotion or achievement.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 12:43 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Acknowledge God as the Source of Joy: In our own lives, we are reminded to attribute true joy not just to circumstances but to God's active presence and blessing.
  • Celebrate God's Faithfulness: Just as the Israelites celebrated the completion of the walls, we should intentionally celebrate God's completed works and answered prayers in our lives and communities. This fosters a spirit of gratitude and strengthens faith.
  • Joy as a Testimony: When God's people experience genuine, God-given joy, it can be a powerful witness to a world searching for lasting happiness. Our collective joy in the Lord can "be heard even afar off," drawing others to Him.
  • Involve All Generations: The inclusion of "wives also and the children" highlights the importance of intergenerational participation in worship and celebration, passing on faith and the experience of God's goodness to future generations. This echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 145:4.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezra 3:13

    So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.

  • Psalms 92:4

    For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.

  • Jeremiah 31:13

    Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.

  • Psalms 148:11

    Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:

  • Psalms 148:13

    Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory [is] above the earth and heaven.

  • Matthew 21:9

    And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

  • Numbers 10:10

    Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I [am] the LORD your God.
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