Nehemiah 7:1

¶ Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed,

Now it came to pass, when the wall {H2346} was built {H1129}, and I had set up {H5975} the doors {H1817}, and the porters {H7778} and the singers {H7891} and the Levites {H3881} were appointed {H6485},

After the wall had been rebuilt, and I had set up its doors, and the gatekeepers, singers and L'vi'im had been appointed,

When the wall had been rebuilt and I had set the doors in place, the gatekeepers, singers, and Levites were appointed.

Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed,

Commentary

Nehemiah 7:1 marks a pivotal transition in the book of Nehemiah, moving from the intense physical labor of rebuilding Jerusalem's defenses to establishing civil and spiritual order within the restored city. This verse sets the stage for the meticulous organization that follows, highlighting Nehemiah’s leadership in not only construction but also community governance and worship.

Context

This verse immediately follows the triumphant completion of Jerusalem's walls in just 52 days, a monumental feat achieved despite fierce opposition from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. With the physical barrier secured, Nehemiah now turns his attention to the internal structure of the city. "When the wall was built, and I had set up the doors" signifies the final act of securing the city's perimeter. The appointment of "porters and the singers and the Levites" immediately after this physical completion underscores the priority of spiritual and civic functions in the post-exilic community. These roles were crucial for the daily operation, security, and spiritual life of Jerusalem, reflecting a holistic approach to restoration.

Key Themes

  • Completion and Transition: The verse signifies the successful conclusion of the rebuilding project and the shift in focus from external defense to internal administration and spiritual renewal.
  • Order and Organization: Nehemiah's immediate action to appoint key personnel demonstrates his commitment to structured governance and the establishment of functional systems for the city.
  • Security and Access: The "porters" (gatekeepers) were vital for controlling who entered and exited the city, ensuring its safety and integrity.
  • Worship and Spiritual Life: The inclusion of "singers" and "Levites" emphasizes the importance of temple service, worship, and religious instruction as central to the community's identity and future. This highlights the return to the spiritual foundations of Israel after the exile.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms for the appointed roles carry specific significance:

  • Porters (sho'arim): These were the gatekeepers, responsible for security, controlling access, and maintaining order at the city gates. Their appointment immediately after the doors were set suggests the paramount importance of securing the newly rebuilt city.
  • Singers (meshorerim): These were temple musicians, integral to the worship services. Their role highlighted the restoration of sacred practices and the joy of spiritual renewal in Jerusalem. Their inclusion alongside the Levites demonstrates the centrality of worship.
  • Levites (Levi'im): Descendants of the tribe of Levi, they were designated for various duties related to the Temple, including teaching, maintaining the sanctuary, assisting priests, and administering justice. Their appointment was critical for re-establishing the religious infrastructure and ensuring adherence to God's law.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 7:1 offers valuable lessons for today. Just as Nehemiah moved from physical construction to spiritual and civic organization, so too must individuals and communities ensure that foundational achievements are followed by sustained order and purpose. It reminds us that:

  • Completion is followed by Stewardship: Finishing a task is only part of the journey; maintaining it requires careful organization and dedicated personnel.
  • Prioritizing Spiritual Health: Nehemiah's immediate attention to worship and religious instruction (through singers and Levites) after securing the city teaches us the importance of spiritual vitality alongside physical security.
  • The Value of Structure: Establishing clear roles and responsibilities is essential for any community or organization to function effectively and securely.
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Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 6:15 (4 votes)

    ¶ So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth [day] of [the month] Elul, in fifty and two days.

  • Nehemiah 6:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and [that] there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;)

  • 2 Chronicles 31:2 (3 votes)

    And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of the LORD.

  • Nehemiah 10:39 (2 votes)

    For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where [are] the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.

  • Ezra 3:8 (2 votes)

    ¶ Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the LORD.

  • Nehemiah 12:24 (2 votes)

    And the chief of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise [and] to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, ward over against ward.

  • Nehemiah 11:3 (2 votes)

    Now these [are] the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, [to wit], Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants.