Today’s passage: Nehemiah 12
Helpful thoughts:
- In today’s chapter we get a detailed list of the priests and Levites (Generations worth) who would serve after the return from exile…
- And the account of the celebration for the dedication of the wall around Jerusalem.
- David was said to have invented different instruments during his lifetime. These could have been played on this occasion (Verse 36, Amos 6:5).
Questions to consider:
- What was the expression of emotion common among the people during these festivities (Verse 43)? Why does this verse say the people became this way?
- What did the joy that God gave the people cause them to do? When God puts joy in our hearts (Galatians 5:22), what does it give us desire to do and with whom? Then, after we follow Christ together what does it give us (John 15:10-11)?
- To whom was the thanksgiving and singing directed? Were the Jews all patting themselves on the back? Was Nehemiah trying to hold a party in his own honor? Why was it right and good for the people to give praise to God alone? How does this compare to our need to praise and thank God for our salvation in Christ?