Great Joy- Nehemiah 11 and 12
Nehemiah 11 tells us how some people volunteered and some people were chosen by lot to live in Jerusalem and help build it up. Their names are listed. It is interesting to note that we don’t know which ones volunteered and which were chosen but that they were obedient to do what was asked. Chapter 11 and part of 12 also list the Levites and Priests that would be involved in the work of the temple and the keeping of the gates. I find it interesting to note that the job of some of the Levites was to lead in thanksgiving and prayer. What a neat job but what a great responsibility! Then in the last part of Nehemiah 12, the wall is dedicated. This is no small affair. There are two choirs that proceed in opposite directions on top of the wall and meet at the corner where the temple is. Certain Levites “were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres.” (Neh. 12:27) The celebration was a whole family affair with children and women joining in joyfully. In verse 43, it says that “the sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.” Sounds like a glimpse of heaven on earth and an event that I would love to be a part of.
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I was just thinking of Neh 8:10 this week! Thanks for the story and perspective from Nehemiah. I wish I could have that job! Maybe I should voluntarily start that part-time job of thanksgiving in my own family.
Love you!