Dedication of the Wall and Festal Processions
Nehemiah 12:27-47
Neh.12.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובחנכת: CONJ+PREP,NOUN,f,sg,cons
- חומת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בקשו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- מכל: PREP
- מקומתם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,suff:3,pl
- להביאם: VERB,hiph,inf
- לירושלם: PREP+NOUN,prop,f,sg
- לעשת: VERB,qal,infc
- חנכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ושמחה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ובתודות: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ובשיר: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מצלתים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- נבלים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ובכנרות: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Ezra 3:10-11 (verbal): Both passages describe Levites and priests praising God at a building dedication with shouts of joy, thanksgiving, and musical instruments; language and liturgical setting closely parallel Neh 12:27.
- 1 Chronicles 15:16-28 (structural): David organizes Levites and appointed musicians (with cymbals, harps, lyres) to lead a public liturgical procession—same combination of Levites, instruments, and organized worship during a major dedication event.
- 2 Chronicles 5:12-13 (thematic): At the dedication of the temple the Levites, priests, and musicians join in praise with trumpets, cymbals and other instruments causing a great sound of worship, echoing the celebratory dedication motif in Neh 12:27.
- Nehemiah 12:43 (verbal): A close internal parallel in the same book describing the people rejoicing, giving thanks, and offering musical worship at the dedication—repeats the language and ritual details of Neh 12:27.
Alternative generated candidates
- At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites from all their places to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with joy, with thanksgivings, with song, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps.
- And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites from all their places to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness and with thanksgiving, and with song, with cymbals, harps, and lyres.
Neh.12.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאספו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- המשררים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ומן: CONJ+PREP
- הככר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- סביבות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומן: CONJ+PREP
- חצרי: NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss:1,sg
- נטפתי: NOUN,f,sg,construct
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 25:1-7 (verbal): Names and function match: Heman, Jeduthun and the appointed singers/musicians are organized and assigned to minister with music, paralleling the Levites and musicians gathered in Nehemiah 12:28.
- Ezra 3:10-11 (thematic): Describes priests, Levites, trumpeters and singers assembling to give thanks and praise at a communal religious dedication—same liturgical/musical gathering as in Nehemiah 12.
- 2 Chronicles 5:12-13 (thematic): Priests and Levites with trumpets and cymbals unite in musical praise at a sacred assembly; parallels the ceremonial music and collective worship context of Neh 12:28.
- 1 Chronicles 9:33 (structural): Lists Levites, gatekeepers and singers residing and serving in Jerusalem and its districts—echoes Neh 12:28's mention of musicians and gatekeepers gathered from the surrounding areas.
Alternative generated candidates
- The sons of the singers gathered—from the open square around Jerusalem, from the outlying districts, and from the courts of Netophah.
- And the singers were gathered from the squares around Jerusalem and from the courts of the Nethinim.
Neh.12.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומבית: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הגלגל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ומשדות: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- גבע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועזמות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- כי: CONJ
- חצרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- המשררים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- סביבות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezra 2:70 (verbal): Like Neh 12:29, Ezra speaks of the priests, Levites, singers and gatekeepers dwelling in their towns and serving around Jerusalem — the same situation of temple singers living in surrounding villages.
- Nehemiah 7:72 (verbal): Parallel account in Nehemiah's census material stating that the priests, Levites, singers and gatekeepers lived in their cities, echoing the report that singers had villages around Jerusalem.
- 1 Chronicles 25:1-7 (thematic): Describes the formal appointment and organization of the singers (sons of Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun) for temple service — background for why a corps of singers would have designated villages near Jerusalem.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54-66 (thematic): Lists the cities given to the Levites and priests (including towns in Benjamin and Judah such as Gibeon/Geba), paralleling Neh 12:29's mention of specific localities associated with temple personnel.
- 1 Chronicles 15:16-24 (structural): Account of David appointing Levites as singers with musical instruments for regular worship — provides the institutional context for the singers' residence and service noted in Neh 12:29.
Alternative generated candidates
- Also from Beit-gilgal, and from the fields of Geba and Azmaveth—for the singers had built for themselves villages around Jerusalem.
- And from the house of Ha‑Gilgal and from the fields of Geba and Azmaveth; for the singers had built villages around Jerusalem.
Neh.12.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויטהרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- והלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ויטהרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- השערים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ואת: CONJ
- החומה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Numbers 8:6-7 (verbal): Describes the ritual cleansing of the Levites—sprinkling and shaving—as a purification rite. Language and function (making Levites clean for service) closely mirror Neh.12:30's note that priests and Levites 'purified' themselves.
- Leviticus 8:6 (structural): Part of the priestly consecration where Moses washes Aaron and his sons—an institutional rite of priestly purification analogous to Nehemiah's priests/Levites purifying themselves before ministering.
- 2 Chronicles 29:15-19 (thematic): Hezekiah's reform: priests and Levites are gathered, sanctified, and cleanse the temple/house of the LORD. Closely parallels Nehemiah's account of purifying priests, the people, and sacred precincts (gates/walls).
- Ezekiel 36:25 (thematic): God's promise to 'sprinkle clean water' and make Israel clean—a prophetic/theological parallel emphasizing communal cleansing and restoration underlying Neh.12:30's ritual purifications.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the priests and the Levites purified themselves and purified the people, the gates, and the wall.
- And the priests and the Levites purified themselves; they purified the people, the gates, and the wall.
Neh.12.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואעלה: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- מעל: PREP
- לחומה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- ואעמידה: VERB,hiphil,imperfect,1,sg
- שתי: NUM,card,f,du
- תודת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- גדולת: ADJ,f,sg,cons
- ותהלכת: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- לימין: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעל: PREP
- לחומה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- לשער: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האשפת: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 15:16-28 (structural): David organizes Levites/choristers and sends them in procession with thanksgivings as they bring the Ark — a parallel arrangement of appointed choirs and ritual procession.
- 1 Chronicles 25:1-7 (verbal): Descriptions of Levites and designated singers divided into groups for worship mirror Nehemiah’s appointment of ‘two great companies’ of thanksgiving singers.
- 2 Chronicles 29:27-30 (thematic): Hezekiah’s reform: Levites appointed to give thanks, sing, and offer sacrifices in the temple — parallels the emphasis on organized thanksgiving and temple procession.
- Ezra 3:10-11 (thematic): When the temple foundation is laid the Levites and priests sing together, giving thanks and praising God — thematically akin to Nehemiah’s choirs appointed for thanksgiving.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I brought up the leaders of Judah upon the wall, and I stationed two great thanksgiving choirs; I set one to go to the right upon the wall toward the Dung Gate.
- And I set up the leaders of Judah upon the wall, and I appointed two great thanksgiving companies to go in procession to the right upon the wall toward the Dung Gate.
Neh.12.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אחריהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- הושעיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וחצי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
Parallels
- Nehemiah 12:31 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same procession narrative listing other leaders and the organization of the two companies of priests and Levites—both verses name leaders who accompanied the singers.
- Ezra 3:10-11 (thematic): Describes priests and Levites, with the heads of families, sounding trumpets and singing at the laying of the temple foundation—parallels the ceremonial, leader-led liturgical procession in Nehemiah 12.
- 1 Chronicles 15:16-24 (structural): David appoints priests and Levites (with named chiefs) to lead the ark procession and worship with music—parallels the organized leadership and liturgical roles (chiefs of Judah, priestly leaders) in Neh 12:32.
- 2 Chronicles 29:30-35 (thematic): Hezekiah’s temple consecration where chiefs, priests and Levites lead sacrifices and worship—a comparable scene of civic and priestly leaders conducting public religious rites.
- Ezra 8:1-3 (thematic): Lists the heads and chiefs of the returning exiles (leaders of families/provinces), echoing the motif of named civic leaders/chiefs associated with cultic and communal moves back to Jerusalem.
Alternative generated candidates
- And after them went Hoshiah and half the leaders of Judah.
- And Hoshaiah went after them, with half of the leaders of Judah.
Neh.12.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועזריה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עזרא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומשלם: CONJ+VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 9:10–34 (structural): A parallel roster of priests, Levites, and inhabitants connected with Jerusalem; both passages preserve postexilic lists of temple personnel and family names comparable to the names in Neh 12.
- Ezra 3:10–11 (thematic): Description of priests and Levites praising and singing at the laying of the temple foundation; parallels the dedication context in Neh 12 where priests and Levites are enumerated and participate in worship.
- 1 Chronicles 24:1–19 (structural): David’s organization of priestly divisions and heads provides a structural parallel to Neh 12’s listing of priestly leaders and their assignments for temple service.
- Ezra 7:1 (verbal): Gives the genealogy of Ezra the scribe (name 'Ezra'); verbal parallel in the shared personal name (עזרה/Ezra) appearing among the priestly names in Neh 12:33, reflecting recurrence of priestly/Levite names in postexilic records.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Azariah, Ezra, and Meshullam.
- And Azariah, Ezra, Meshullam;
Neh.12.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ובנימן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושמעיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וירמיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Nehemiah 12:33 (structural): Immediate context—part of the same ceremonial list of priests and Levites; the names and pairs continue across these verses as part of the procession/dedication roster.
- Nehemiah 12:35 (structural): Continuation of the same list and liturgical procession; the succeeding verse keeps naming the participating leaders and families, showing the same register-form and function.
- Ezra 2:36-39 (thematic): Lists of priests, Levites, and heads of families among the returnees—parallel in genre and purpose to Neh.12’s cataloging of priestly and Levitical personnel for Temple service and public rites.
- 1 Chronicles 9:1-3 (thematic): Post-exilic/return narrative that inventories those dwelling in Jerusalem (including priestly and Levitical families); thematically parallels Neh.12’s focus on the restored community’s leaders and temple personnel.
Alternative generated candidates
- Judah, Benjamin, Shemaiah, and Jeremiah.
- Judah, Benjamin, Shemaiah, and Jeremiah.
Neh.12.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומבני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- בחצצרות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- זכריה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמעיה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מתניה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מיכיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זכור: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אסף: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 25:1-3 (structural): Lists the sons of Asaph and other Levitical musicians appointed to serve with instruments; parallels Neh 12:35 which traces a temple-musician/priestly line back to Asaph.
- 1 Chronicles 15:16-22 (thematic): Describes David's appointment of Asaph and his relatives (and other Levites) to play instruments and give thanks when bringing the ark—parallels the role of named families playing trumpets in Neh 12.
- 1 Chronicles 6:31-38 (structural): Provides Levite genealogies that include Asaph and his descendants who served in the sanctuary; parallels the genealogical form of Neh 12:35 linking a temple musician/priest to Asaph.
- Ezra 2:41 (thematic): Gives numbers and mentions of priests, Levites and singers among the returnees to Jerusalem—parallels Neh 12's detailed naming of priestly and musical personnel at the temple dedication.
Alternative generated candidates
- And of the sons of the priests, Zechariah son of Jonathan, son of Shemaiah, son of Mattaniah, son of Michaiah, son of Zaccur, son of Asaph, with trumpets.
- And of the priests, the trumpeters: Zechariah the son of Jonathan, son of Shemaiah, son of Mattaniah, son of Michaiah, son of Zaccur, son of Asaph.
Neh.12.36 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואחיו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- שמעיה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ועזראל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs,prop
- מללי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,prop
- גללי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,prop
- מעי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1cs
- נתנאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהודה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חנני: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בכלי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שיר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ועזרא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הסופר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לפניהם: PREP,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 15:16 (verbal): David appoints Levites to be singers and to play musical instruments (cymbals, harps, lyres). The phrase and function (“men of the instruments of David”) in Neh 12:36 echoes this arrangement and language.
- 1 Chronicles 25:1-8 (structural): Gives the organization of temple musicians into families with assigned roles and instruments. Parallels Neh 12's listing of named musicians and the institutional role of Levites/musicians.
- Ezra 3:10-11 (thematic): At the laying of the temple foundation, priests and Levites sing and give thanks with musical instruments; Ezra (and the postexilic restoration of worship) is also prominent—echoing Neh 12:36 where Ezra stands before the singers.
- 2 Chronicles 29:25-30 (thematic): Hezekiah restores Levitical worship with singers and a variety of instruments. The passage parallels Neh 12:36 in its depiction of organized temple music and liturgical restoration.
Alternative generated candidates
- And his brothers—Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani—on the musical instruments of David the man of God; and Ezra the scribe before them.
- And his brothers: Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nathanael, and Judah; Hanani with stringed instruments, and David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.
Neh.12.37 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- שער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- העין: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ונגדם: CONJ+PREP,3,pl
- עלו: PREP+3ms_suff
- על: PREP
- מעלות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- במעלה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לחומה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- מעל: PREP
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- שער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- מזרח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Nehemiah 12:31 (verbal): Lists the same sequence of locations (the fountain gate, the stairs of the city of David, ascent to the wall, and the water gate eastward); nearly identical wording and route as Neh.12:37.
- Nehemiah 12:39 (verbal): Repeated description of the procession up the stairs of the city of David to the wall and toward the water gate, reinforcing the same topographical route.
- Nehemiah 3:15 (thematic): In the chapter describing repair work on Jerusalem’s gates, the Fountain Gate is specifically mentioned/repaired, connecting to Neh.12:37’s reference to the same gate and the city’s gate-topography.
- 2 Samuel 5:7 (thematic): David’s capture of the stronghold of Zion (‘the city of David’) provides the historical background for the area described in Neh.12:37 (the ‘city of David’ and its ascents/fortifications).
- 2 Chronicles 32:30 (thematic): Describes Hezekiah’s works on the city’s watercourse and fortifications; thematically related to Neh.12:37’s mention of the water gate and the eastern water installations of Jerusalem.
Alternative generated candidates
- At the Gate of the Fountain, and opposite them, they went up by the stairs of the City of David to the ascent of the wall, above the house of David, as far as the Water Gate eastward.
- And at the Fountain Gate and opposite them they went up by the stairs of the City of David, at the ascent to the wall, above the house of David, until the Water Gate eastward.
Neh.12.38 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והתודה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- השנית: ADJ,ord,f,sg,def
- ההולכת: ADJ,f,sg,def
- למואל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- אחריה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- וחצי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מעל: PREP
- להחומה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- מעל: PREP
- למגדל: PREP
- התנורים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- החומה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הרחבה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Nehemiah 12:39 (verbal): Describes the other procession and uses the same landmarks (Tower of Hananel, gates) and route language — direct parallel within the same ritual narrative.
- Nehemiah 12:43 (structural): Concludes the same thanksgiving celebration, noting the sacrifices, rejoicing, and the dedication of the wall — completes the event begun in v.38.
- Ezra 3:10-11 (thematic): Priests and Levites praise and give thanks with music at a public religious ceremony (laying of the Temple foundation), paralleling the liturgical procession and thanksgiving in Nehemiah.
- Psalm 122:1-4 (thematic): Speaks of going to Jerusalem with joy and standing within its gates — echoes the pilgrim/processional movement to the city and its sacred acts of praise.
- 2 Chronicles 29:30-36 (thematic): Hezekiah's temple purification features Levites and priests offering music, thanksgiving, and sacrifices in a public, liturgical procession — similar cultic patterns to Nehemiah's thanksgiving around the walls.
Alternative generated candidates
- The second thanksgiving company went in the opposite direction, and I followed them, and half the people were on the wall—from the Tower of the Ovens to the broad wall.
- And the second thanksgiving company went on, and I after them, and half of the people above the wall, from the Tower of the Ovens to the broad wall.
Neh.12.39 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומעל: PREP
- לשער: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אפרים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- שער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הישנה: ADJ,f,sg,def
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- שער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הדגים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ומגדל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חננאל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,cons
- ומגדל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המאה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- שער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הצאן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ועמדו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בשער: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המטרה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Nehemiah 3:1-32 (verbal): Comprehensive list of Jerusalem’s gates and towers during the rebuilding; many of the same gates (Fish Gate, Old Gate, Sheep Gate, Tower of Hananel, Tower of the Hundred) are named here, matching the vocabulary and locations.
- Nehemiah 12:37-43 (verbal): Immediate context in the same chapter describing the dedication procession around the city walls and naming the same gates and stations — this verse is part of that continuous listing and liturgical movement.
- 1 Chronicles 26:1-15 (structural): Description of the organization and duties of gatekeepers and their assignments to gates and towers, reflecting the social/functional role of gates and towers in Jerusalem’s civic and cultic life.
- Psalm 48:12-13 (thematic): Invites the reader to 'walk about Zion' and 'number the towers,' thematically echoing the focus on Jerusalem’s gates and towers as defining features of the city’s identity and security.
- Ezekiel 48:30-35 (structural): Ezekiel’s final-vision listing of the gates of the eschatological/new Jerusalem provides a parallel in form and function — enumerating gates and entrances as defining features of the city’s structure.
Alternative generated candidates
- Above the Ephraim Gate, above the Old Gate, above the Fish Gate, above the Tower of Hananel, and above the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate; and they stood at the Gate of the Guard.
- And above the Ephraim Gate, and above the Old Gate, and above the Fish Gate, and above the Tower of Hananel, and above the Tower of the Hundred, even unto the Sheep Gate; and they stood at the Gate of the Prison.
Neh.12.40 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותעמדנה: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
- שתי: NUM,card,f,du
- התודת: NOUN,f,pl,def
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- וחצי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הסגנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- עמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 15:16-24 (verbal): David appoints the Levites and musicians 'to give thanks' (תודה) and establishes thanksgiving choirs—directly parallels the standing of ‘two thanksgivings’ in the house of God and the organized leadership present.
- Ezra 3:10-11 (thematic): When the temple foundation is laid the Levites 'sang together with praise and thanksgiving'—a parallel liturgical scene of choirs and communal thanksgiving at the house of God.
- 2 Chronicles 5:13-14 (thematic): At the ark’s return the trumpeters and singers praised and 'made one sound to be heard' and gave thanks to the LORD—similar temple procession, music, and collective thanksgiving.
- 2 Chronicles 29:30 (verbal): Hezekiah’s Levites 'stood and praised the LORD, for his mercy endureth for ever' and offered thanksgiving—another explicit example of Levites standing to give thanks in the house of God.
Alternative generated candidates
- The two thanksgiving choirs stood in the house of God; and I, with half the officials, was with me.
- So the two thanksgiving companies stood in the house of God; and I, and half of the leaders with me.
Neh.12.41 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אליקים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעשיה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מנימין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מיכיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אליועיני: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זכריה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חנניה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בחצצרות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 15:16-24 (thematic): David appoints priests and Levites as singers and instrumentalists (including trumpeters) for a liturgical procession—parallels Neh 12:41's listing of priests with trumpets at a dedication.
- 2 Chronicles 5:12-14 (thematic): At the temple inauguration the priests and Levites (including trumpeters and singers) perform in unison before the ark—the scene and liturgical role mirror Neh 12:41.
- Ezra 3:10-11 (thematic): When the temple foundation is laid the priests and Levites praise God with trumpets and cymbals—another account of priestly musicianship at a cultic dedication like Neh 12:41.
- 1 Chronicles 24:1-19 (structural): Lists of priestly divisions and names show the organized, hereditary priesthood; parallels Neh 12:41's naming of priests and the institutional context for liturgical duties.
- Nehemiah 12:42 (structural): Immediate parallel within the same ceremony—continues the description of priests, Levites, and trumpeters in the processions that dedicated the wall, showing this verse is part of a coordinated liturgical listing.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the priests—Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah—were with trumpets.
- And the priests: Eliakim, Maaseiah, Minjamin, Miciah, Elihoenai, Zechariah, Hananiah—with trumpets.
Neh.12.42 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומעשיה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושמעיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואלעזר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועזי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהוחנן: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ומלכיה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועילם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועזר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישמיעו: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,pl
- המשררים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ויזרחיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הפקיד: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 15:16-24 (thematic): David appoints Levites to be singers and musicians and to sound trumpets—parallels Neh 12:42’s listing of singers/musicians and the appointment of those who blew trumpets.
- 1 Chronicles 25:1-8 (thematic): Organization and assignment of Levites to musical service (families and officers) matches Nehemiah’s listing of named Levites engaged in temple music.
- Ezra 3:10-11 (verbal): Priests and Levites give thanks with trumpets and cymbals when the temple foundation is laid—closely parallels the imagery of musicians sounding and being appointed in Neh 12:42.
- 2 Chronicles 5:12-14 (allusion): At the ark’s installation priests and Levites blew trumpets and sang, and the house was filled with cloud—a liturgical parallel to the communal musical worship and appointed trumpeters in Neh 12:42.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malchijah, Elam, and Ezra caused the singers to give thanks; and Zechariah was the officer in charge.
- And Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Johanan, Malchijah, Ulam, and Ezra; and the singers made themselves heard, and Zechariah was set over them as officer.
Neh.12.43 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויזבחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- זבחים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- גדולים: ADJ,m,pl
- וישמחו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- כי: CONJ
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שמחם: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,sg
- שמחה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גדולה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- וגם: CONJ
- הנשים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- והילדים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- שמחו: VERB,qal,imp,2,mp
- ותשמע: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- שמחת: NOUN,f,sg,cstr
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מרחוק: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezra 6:16-18 (verbal): Direct parallel account of the dedication: the people 'kept the dedication of this house with joy' and offered large numbers of sacrifices, closely mirroring Neh 12:43's 'offered great sacrifices and rejoiced.'
- Ezra 3:11-13 (thematic): Earlier dedication of the temple where singers and the people 'sang together' and there was a mixture of loud joy and weeping—parallels the public, communal rejoicing and audible celebration described in Neh 12:43.
- 2 Chronicles 5:13-14 (thematic): At Solomon's temple dedication trumpeters and singers 'made one sound' and the house was filled with the glory of the LORD—echoes the unified, powerful sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem heard 'afar off' in Neh 12:43.
- Nehemiah 8:10-12 (thematic): Within the same book: the people are commanded to rejoice, to eat and drink, and 'make great mirth' after hearing God's word; connects to Neh 12:43's emphasis on communal joy (including women and children) as a response to God's blessing.
Alternative generated candidates
- On that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; and the women and the children also rejoiced, so that the rejoicing of Jerusalem was heard from afar.
- And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced; for God had given them great joy. Also the women and the children rejoiced; the joy of Jerusalem was heard from far away.
Neh.12.44 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויפקדו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- אנשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- על: PREP
- הנשכות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- לאוצרות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- לתרומות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- לראשית: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ולמעשרות: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- לכנוס: PREP+VERB,qal,infinitive
- בהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- לשדי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הערים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- מנאות: NOUN,f,pl,construct
- התורה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לכהנים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וללוים: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כי: CONJ
- שמחת: NOUN,f,sg,cstr
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- על: PREP
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- העמדים: VERB,qal,ptc,0,m,pl
Parallels
- Nehemiah 10:37-39 (verbal): Same community commitment to bring firstfruits and tithes into the house of God and to entrust them to the treasuries and Levites; closely related administrative language and covenantal practice.
- Nehemiah 12:47 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same chapter summarizing that tithes, offerings and portions were distributed to priests and Levites so they could perform their service—restate and conclude the arrangement described in v.44.
- 2 Chronicles 31:4-12 (thematic): Hezekiah's reforms set up storehouses and appointed contributions of firstfruits and tithes for priests and Levites, with officials overseeing distribution—closely parallels the organizational and support measures in Neh 12:44.
- Numbers 18:21-24 (structural): Legal foundation for giving the tithe to the Levites so they may serve in the tent of meeting; provides the Torah basis for the practice of supporting priests and Levites reflected in Neh 12:44.
- Malachi 3:10 (thematic): Calls for bringing the full tithe into the storehouse—echoes the emphasis on bringing and storing tithes/offerings for the support of the temple personnel as in Neh 12:44.
Alternative generated candidates
- On that day men were appointed over the storerooms—to distribute the contributions, the firstfruits, and the tithes—so as to gather them into the storehouses of the cities for the portions of the law for the priests and the Levites; for Judah rejoiced over the priests and the Levites who ministered.
- And on that day men were appointed over the treasuries—to collect the offerings, the firstfruits and the tithes—so that they might bring them into the storerooms; for the portions for the priests and Levites were required by the law, and Judah rejoiced over the priests and the Levites who served.
Neh.12.45 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישמרו: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- משמרת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אלהיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3mp
- ומשמרת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,cstr
- הטהרה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- והמשררים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- והשערים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- כמצות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- בנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 23:28-32 (structural): Details the organization of Levites into divisions and their assigned duties, including porters/gatekeepers and service schedules—paralleling Neh 12:45's listing of charges (purity, singers, gatekeepers).
- 1 Chronicles 25:1-7 (verbal): Records David's appointment of the singers and musicians for temple service; echoes Neh 12:45's reference to duties kept 'according to the commandment of David.'
- 1 Chronicles 26:1-19 (verbal): Specifies the divisions and responsibilities of the gatekeepers (doorkeepers), closely matching Neh 12:45's mention of 'the porters and the gates.'
- 2 Chronicles 31:2-13 (thematic): Hezekiah's restoration of priestly and Levitical duties (including gatekeepers and provisions for temple service) echoes the theme of reestablishing and keeping temple charges set by earlier commands.
Alternative generated candidates
- They kept the service of their God and the service of purification, the singers and the gatekeepers, according to the command of David and his son Solomon.
- And they kept the charge of their God and the charge of the purification, and the singers and the gatekeepers, according to the command of David and his son Solomon.
Neh.12.46 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- בימי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואסף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מקדם: PREP
- ראשי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- המשררים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ושיר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תהלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- והדות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- לאלהים: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 15:16 (verbal): David instructed the Levites to appoint singers and musicians—establishing Levites as heads of the music ministry, paralleling Neh.12:46’s reference to David and Asaph and chief singers.
- 1 Chronicles 16:4-7 (quotation): Passage records David setting Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun (and others) to give thanks and sing praises to God when the Ark was brought—language of thanksgiving and praise echoes Neh.12:46.
- 1 Chronicles 25:1-3 (allusion): Describes David and the captains appointing musicians (including Asaph) and organizing groups of singers—an institutional parallel to Nehemiah’s recital of David/Asaph-era worship arrangements.
- 2 Chronicles 5:13 (thematic): When the trumpeters and singers praised as one, the sound of thanksgiving and praise filled the house of the LORD—thematically similar emphasis on corporate Levitical praise and thanksgiving.
Alternative generated candidates
- For in the days of David and of Asaph of old the chief of the singers were appointed to give thanks and to sing praises and to lead thanksgiving to God.
- For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief officers of the singers, and the song of praise and thanksgiving to God.
Neh.12.47 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בימי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- זרבבל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובימי: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- נחמיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נתנים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- מניות: PREP
- המשררים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- והשערים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביומו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,suff,3,m
- ומקדשים: CONJ+VERB,hif,ptc,act,m,pl
- ללוים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- והלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- מקדשים: VERB,hif,ptc,act,m,pl
- לבני: PREP
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 3:6-9 (verbal): States that the Levites are given over to Aaron and set apart for priestly service—parallels Neh 12:47's line that the Levites were sanctified to the sons of Aaron.
- 1 Chronicles 9:33 (verbal): Lists gatekeepers, porters, and their daily duties alongside singers—closely parallels Neh 12:47's mention of singers and gatekeepers receiving portions and daily service.
- 1 Chronicles 25:1 (thematic): Describes David's appointment of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun and their sons as temple musicians—echoes Neh 12:47's focus on provision and organization for the singers.
- Ezra 3:10-11 (thematic): Describes Levites and singers praising and giving thanks at the temple foundation—connects to Neh 12:47's concern with singers/Levites in restored postexilic worship.
- Nehemiah 10:37-39 (structural): Contains the community's obligation to bring tithes and offerings for the Levites and temple service—directly related to Neh 12:47's note that all Israel provided portions for singers, gatekeepers, and Levites.
Alternative generated candidates
- And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel and in the days of Nehemiah were giving portions to the singers and to the gatekeepers, day by day; they set them apart for the Levites, and the Levites set them apart for the sons of Aaron.
- And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel and Nehemiah gave the portions for the singers and the gatekeepers day by day; and they consecrated them to the Levites, and the Levites consecrated them to the sons of Aaron.
And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites from all their places to bring them to Jerusalem, to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgiving and with singing—with cymbals, psalteries, and harps. And the sons of the singers gathered—from the open places around Jerusalem and from the villages of Netophah. And from Beth‑Gilgal, from the fields of Geba, and from Azmaveth; for the singers had built for themselves villages around Jerusalem.
Then the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves and sanctified the people, the gates, and the wall.
I brought up the leaders of Judah upon the wall, and I appointed two great thanksgiving choirs and the procession that went to the right, over the wall toward the Dung Gate. And Hoshaiah went after them, with half the leaders of Judah. And Azariah, Ezra, and Meshullam. And Judah, Benjamin, Shemaiah, and Jeremiah. And of the priests, for the trumpets: Zechariah son of Jonathan, son of Shemaiah, son of Mattaniah, son of Michaiah, son of Zaccur, son of Asaph. And his brethren: Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God; and Ezra the scribe before them.
By the Fountain Gate and opposite them they climbed the stairways of the city of David, at the ascent to the wall, above the house of David, even to the Water Gate eastward. And the other thanksgiving went toward the Tower of the Furnaces; and I followed after it, and half the people were over against the wall, from the Tower of the Furnaces even unto the Broad Wall. And above the Gate of Ephraim, above the Old Gate, above the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel, and the Tower of the Hundred, even unto the Sheep Gate; and they stood at the Gate of the Guard.
Then the two thanksgivings took their stand in the house of God; and I, with half the officials, was with them. And the priests—Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah—blew the trumpets. And Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malchijah, Elam, and Ezer—these gave the singers their voice; and Zechariah was set as their officer.
On that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; and the women and the children rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from afar. And on that day men were appointed over the treasuries—to collect the contributions, the firstfruits, and the tithes—and to bring them into the storehouses of the chambers, to give to the priests and the Levites, for Judah rejoiced over the priests and the Levites who served.
They kept their watch, and the charge of purification, the singers, and the gates, according to the command of David and his son Solomon.
For in the days of David and Asaph, the chiefs of the singers, was the song of praise and thanksgiving unto God. And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel and in the days of Nehemiah gave portions for the singers and the gatekeepers, day by day; and they set them apart for the Levites, and the Levites set them apart for the sons of Aaron.