This chapter is made up of two portions: (a) lists of the leading priests and Levites at different periods Nehemiah 12:1: (b) the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem Nehemiah 12:27. This latter passage is certainly from the pen of Nehemiah, and was written probably about 433 B.C. The lists includ... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PRIESTS - The number of the names here given, which is 22, is probably to be connected with that of the Davidic “courses,” which was 24 1 Chronicles 24:7. Eight names are identical with those of the heads in David’s time. On comparing the present list with that of the families who sealed to Nehe... [ Continue Reading ]
Of the Levitical houses here mentioned, three only returned at first, those of Jeshua, Kadmiel, and Judah or Hodevah Nehemiah 7:43. The others must have returned subsequently.... [ Continue Reading ]
The six generations of high priests covered a little more than two centuries (538-333 B.C.), or a little under thirty-five years to a generation. Jaddua was the high priest who (according to Josephus) had an interview with Alexander shortly after the battle of Issus.... [ Continue Reading ]
These verses interrupt the account of the church officers in the time of Joiakim, resumed in Nehemiah 12:24. They appear to be an addition to the original text, made about the time of Alexander the Great, when the Books of Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah would seem to have first taken their existing... [ Continue Reading ]
JESHUA THE SON OF KADMIEL - If the reading be sound, this Jeshua must have been the head of the Levitical family of Kadmiel in the time of Joiakim; but (compare Nehemiah 8:7; Nehemiah 9:4), some read “Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel,” etc. WARD OVER AGAINST WARD - i. e., “alternately,” one part of the choir... [ Continue Reading ]
In 1Ch 9:17, 1 Chronicles 9:24, 1 Chronicles 9:26, four families of porters only are mentioned; six are implied here, in Nehemiah 7:45, and in Ezra 2:42. From 1 Chronicles 26:14 it appears that the temple had four chief gates, fronting the cardinal points, and two minor ones, “toward Asuppim,” and “... [ Continue Reading ]
THE DEDICATION OF THE WALL - The ceremony had been deferred for the space of nearly 12 years Nehemiah 13:6. Perhaps Nehemiah required an express permission from the Persian king before he could venture on a solemnity which might have been liable to misrepresentation. OUT OF ALL THEIR PLACES - i. e.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PLAIN COUNTRY ROUND ABOUT JERUSALEM - Perhaps the valleys of Hinnom and Jehoshaphat, which enclose Jerusalem on three sides, are intended. THE VILLAGES OF NETOPHATHI - Rather, as in 1 Chronicles 9:16. Netophah lay near Bethlehem 1 Chronicles 2:54, and is perhaps represented by the modern Antube... [ Continue Reading ]
THE HOUSE OF GILGAL - Or, “Beth-Gilgal” - probably the Gilgal north of Jerusalem (now “Jiljilia).... [ Continue Reading ]
I BROUGHT UP - Note the resumption of the first person, which has been laid aside since Nehemiah 7:5, and which is confirmed now to the end of the book. It is generally allowed that we have here once more a memoir by Nehemiah himself. The two “companies” or choirs, having ascended the wall on its w... [ Continue Reading ]
“Judah and Benjamin” are the lay people of those two tribes.... [ Continue Reading ]
ABOVE THE HOUSE OF DAVID - This choir or procession went above (or beyond) the old palace of David, following the line described in Nehemiah 3:16, on their way to the eastern wall.... [ Continue Reading ]
JUDAH REJOICED - Judah’s satisfaction with the priests and Levites took the shape of increased offerings, more ample tithes, and the like, from where the appointment of treasuries and treasurers became necessary.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE WARD OF THE PURIFICATION - The observances with respect to purification. Compare 1 Chronicles 23:28.... [ Continue Reading ]
The intention is to compare the religious activity and strictness of Nehemiah’s time with that which had prevailed under Zerubbabel, as described by Ezra Ezra 6:16, Ezra 6:22. It is implied that the intermediate period had been a time of laxity. THEY SANCTIFIED HOLY THINGS ... - i. e, “the people p... [ Continue Reading ]