Nehemiah 12:36

Nehemiah 12:36 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

and his associates—Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani—with the musical instruments prescribed by David the man of God. Ezra the scribe led the procession.

King James Version KJV

And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.

American Standard Version ASV

and his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God; and Ezra the scribe was before them.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And his brothers, Shemaiah, and Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel and Judah, Hanani, with the music-instruments of David, the man of God; and Ezra the scribe was at their head;

Free Bible Version FBV

and his fellow priests, Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani, along with the musical instruments as required by David, the man of God. Ezra the scribe led them.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azareel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Iudah, Hanani, with the musicall instruments of Dauid the man of God: and Ezra the scribe went before them.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and his brethren Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with instruments of song of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe [is] before them;

World English Bible WEB

and his brothers, Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God; and Ezra the scribe was before them.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And they went up over against them by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall of the house of David, and to the water gate eastward:

Translation for Translators T4T

Behind them marched other members of Zechariah’s clan: Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani. They all were playing the same kinds of musical instruments that King David had played many years previously. Ezra, the man who knew the Jewish laws very well, marched in front of this group.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 12:36

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Nehemiah 12:36 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְֽ/אֶחָ֡י/ו שְֽׁמַעְיָ֡ה וַ/עֲזַרְאֵ֡ל מִֽלֲלַ֡י גִּֽלֲלַ֡י מָעַ֞י נְתַנְאֵ֤ל וִֽ/יהוּדָה֙ חֲנָ֔נִי בִּ/כְלֵי שִׁ֥יר דָּוִ֖יד אִ֣ישׁ הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים וְ/עֶזְרָ֥א הַ/סּוֹפֵ֖ר לִ/פְנֵי/הֶֽם

וְֽ/אֶחָ֡י/ו ʼâch H251 brother Conj | N-mp | Suff

שְֽׁמַעְיָ֡ה Shᵉmaʻyâh H8098 Shemaiah N-proper

וַ/עֲזַרְאֵ֡ל ʻĂzarʼêl H5832 Azarel Conj | N-proper

מִֽלֲלַ֡י Milălay H4450 Milalai N-proper

גִּֽלֲלַ֡י Gilălay H1562 Gilalai N-proper

מָעַ֞י Mâʻay H4597 Maai N-proper

נְתַנְאֵ֤ל Nᵉthanʼêl H5417 Nethanel N-proper

וִֽ/יהוּדָה֙ Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah Conj | N-proper

חֲנָ֔נִי Chănânîy H2607 Hanani N-proper

בִּ/כְלֵי kᵉlîy H3627 article/utensil Prep | N-mp

שִׁ֥יר shîyr H7892 song N-cs

דָּוִ֖יד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Art | N-mp

וְ/עֶזְרָ֥א ʻEzrâʼ H5830 Ezra Conj | N-proper

הַ/סּוֹפֵ֖ר çâphar H5608 to recount Art | N-ms

לִ/פְנֵי/הֶֽם pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 12:36

וְֽ/אֶחָ֡י/ו ʼâch H251 "brother" Conj | N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.

Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.

שְֽׁמַעְיָ֡ה Shᵉmaʻyâh H8098 "Shemaiah" N-proper

Shemaiah means heard by God, the name of 25 Israelites, including a prophet in King Rehoboam's time and a false prophet in Jeremiah's time. He is mentioned in Jeremiah 36:12. Shemaiah was also the father of Delaiah, a prince of Judah.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.36.12; father of: Delaiah (H1806K) § Shemaiah = "heard by Jehovah" 1) a prophet of the Lord in the reign of king Rehoboam of Judah 2) the Nehelamite, a false prophet in the time of the prophet Jeremiah 3) father of Delaiah, one of the princes of Judah in the time of the prophet Jeremiah 4) an inhabitant of Kirjathjearim and father of Urijah, a prophet of the Lord in the time of the prophet Jeremiah 5) a Judaite, son of Shechaniah, father of Hattush, and descendant of Zerubbabel 6) a Simeonite, father of Shimri 7) a Reubenite, son of Joel and father of Gog 8) a Merarite Levite, son of Hasshub in the time of Nehemiah 9) a Levite, son of Galal and father of Obadiah 10) a Levite and head of the family of the sons of Elizaphan who were commissioned to bring the ark to Jerusalem in the time of David 11) a Levite and scribe, son of Nethaneel in the time of David 12) a Levite, 1st son of Obed-Edom in the time of David 13) a Levite, descendant of Jeduthun the singer in the time of king Hezekiah of Judah 14) a Levite, one of the messengers of Ezra to Iddo 15) a Levite in the time of king Jehoshaphat of Judah 16) a Levite, one of several in charge of distributing the free will offerings brought to God to their Levite brethren in the time of king Hezekiah of Judah 17) a Levite in the time of king Josiah of Judah 18) head of a family of exiles who returned with Ezra 19) a priest, of the sons of Harim who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 20) an Israelite of the sons of Harim who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 21) son of Delaiah, grandson of Mehetabeel, and a false prophet hired by Tobiah and Sanballat to give false guidance to Nehemiah 22) a priest who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah and participated in the dedication of the wall 23) a priest who returned from exile with Zerubbabel 24) a leader of the people at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem in the time of Nehemiah 25) grandfather of the priest Zechariah who participated in the dedication of the wall in the time of Nehemiah 26) another of the priests who along with 25 took part in the dedication of the wall in the time of Nehemiah

Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Shemaiah. See also: 1 Kings 12:22; 2 Chronicles 35:9; Jeremiah 26:20.

וַ/עֲזַרְאֵ֡ל ʻĂzarʼêl H5832 "Azarel" Conj | N-proper

Azarel was one of five Israelites with this name, including a Levite and son of Heman, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 25:4. His name is similar to Azareel.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.25.4; son of: Heman (H1968I); brother of: Bukkiah (H1232), Mattaniah (H4983H), Shebuel (H7619H), Jerimoth (H3406L), Hananiah (H2608P), Hanani (H2607H), Eliathah (H0448), Giddalti (H1437), Romamti-ezer (H7320), Joshbekashah (H3436), Mallothi (H4413), Hothir (H1956) and Mahazioth (H4238); also called Azarel (KJV: Azareel) at 1Ch.25.18; Another name of uz.zi.el (עֻזִּיאֵל "Uzziel" H5816J) § Azarael or Azareel = "God has helped" 1) a Korhite warrior of David who joined him at Ziklag 2) a Levite musician of the family of Heman in the time of David 3) a Danite, son of Jeroham and a prince of the tribe at the census of David 4) one of the sons of Bani who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest, ancestor of Maasiai or Amashai, a priest in Jerusalem after the return from exile 6) a priest and musician in the time of Nehemiah

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Azarael, Azareel. See also: 1 Chronicles 12:7; Ezra 10:41; Nehemiah 12:36.

מִֽלֲלַ֡י Milălay H4450 "Milalai" N-proper

Milalai was an Israelite who lived during the time of the Exile and Return, as mentioned in Nehemiah 12:36. He was the son of Jonathan and a descendant of Asaph, and his name means eloquent.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.36; son of: Jonathan (H3129K); brother of: Zechariah (H2148Z), Shemaiah (H8098V), Azarel (H5832J), Gilalai (H1562), Maai (H4597), Nethanel (H5417P), Judah (H3063K) and Hanani (H2607K) § Milalai = "eloquent" son of the priest Jonathan and a descendant of Asaph

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Milalai. See also: Nehemiah 12:36.

גִּֽלֲלַ֡י Gilălay H1562 "Gilalai" N-proper

Gilalai was a Levitical musician and the son of Jonathan, living during the time of the Exile and Return. He played a role in the consecration of the wall of Jerusalem, as mentioned in Nehemiah 12:36.

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Gilalai. See also: Nehemiah 12:36.

מָעַ֞י Mâʻay H4597 "Maai" N-proper

Maai was an Israelite who lived during the time of Exile and Return, mentioned in Nehemiah 12:36. He was the son of Jonathan and brother of several other men. Maai means compassionate in Hebrew.

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Maai. See also: Nehemiah 12:36.

נְתַנְאֵ֤ל Nᵉthanʼêl H5417 "Nethanel" N-proper

Nethanel was a chief of the tribe of Issachar and his name means 'given of God', as noted in the book of Numbers and 1 Chronicles.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.36; son of: Jonathan (H3129K); brother of: Zechariah (H2148Z), Shemaiah (H8098V), Azarel (H5832J), Milalai (H4450), Gilalai (H1562), Maai (H4597), Judah (H3063K) and Hanani (H2607K) § Nethaneel = "given of God" 1) son of Zuar and a chief of the tribe of Issachar at the exodus 2) the 4th son of Jesse and a brother of David 3) a priest in the reign of David who blew the trumpet before the ark when it was brought from the house of Obed-edom 4) a representative of the priestly family of Jedaiah in the time of Joiakim 5) a priest of the family of Pashur who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 6) a Levite, father of Shemaiah the scribe in the reign of David 7) a Levite, son of Obed-edom 8) a chief of the Levites in the reign of king Josiah of Judah 9) a prince of Judah in the reign of king Jehoshaphat of Judah who was sent by the king to teach in the cities of the kingdom 10) a Levite of the sons of Asaph who played a musical instrument at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem 10a) perhaps the same as 5

Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: Nethaneel. See also: Numbers 1:8; 1 Chronicles 24:6; Nehemiah 12:36.

וִֽ/יהוּדָה֙ Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" Conj | N-proper

Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.

Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob

Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.

חֲנָ֔נִי Chănânîy H2607 "Hanani" N-proper

Hanani means gracious, the name of six Israelites, including a musician and a brother of Zechariah. He is mentioned in Nehemiah and 1 Chronicles. Hanani lived during the time of Exile and Return.

Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Hanani. See also: 1 Kings 16:1; 2 Chronicles 19:2; Nehemiah 12:36.

בִּ/כְלֵי kᵉlîy H3627 "article/utensil" Prep | N-mp

This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.

Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed

Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.

שִׁ֥יר shîyr H7892 "song" N-cs

This word refers to a song or singing, and it is used in the Bible to describe musical expressions of praise and worship, like the songs of David in the book of Psalms. It can also be used to describe a specific song or ode.

Definition: 1) song 1a) lyric song 1b) religious song 1c) song of Levitical choirs Also means: shi.rah (שִׁירָה "song" H7892B)

Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: musical(-ick), [idiom] sing(-er, -ing), song. See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 76:1; Psalms 18:1.

דָּוִ֖יד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

וְ/עֶזְרָ֥א ʻEzrâʼ H5830 "Ezra" Conj | N-proper

Ezra was an Israelite priest and scribe who led reforms in Jerusalem after the Exile, working with Nehemiah. His name means 'help'.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Neh.12.1 § Ezra = "help" 1) the priest and scribe who led the reforms of the returned exiles in Jerusalem; co-worker with Nehemiah 2) a priest with Zerubbabel 3) another post-exilic Jew

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: Ezra. See also: Ezra 7:1; Nehemiah 8:2; Nehemiah 12:36.

הַ/סּוֹפֵ֖ר çâphar H5608 "to recount" Art | N-ms

This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.

Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related

Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.

לִ/פְנֵי/הֶֽם pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp | Suff

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

Study Notes — Nehemiah 12:36

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Nehemiah 12:36 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 12:36
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 12:36
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:36
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:36
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 12:36
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:36
Sermons on Nehemiah 12:36

Context — The Dedication of the Wall

34Judah, Benjamin, Shemaiah, Jeremiah, 35and some of the priests with trumpets, and also Zechariah son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph,

36and his associates—Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani—with the musical instruments prescribed by David the man of God. Ezra the scribe led the procession.

37At the Fountain Gate they went directly up the steps of the City of David on the ascent to the wall and passed above the house of David to the Water Gate on the east. 38The second thanksgiving choir proceeded to the left, and I followed it with half the people along the top of the wall, past the Tower of the Ovens to the Broad Wall,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Nehemiah 12:24	The leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua son of Kadmiel, along with their associates, who stood across from them to give praise and thanksgiving as one section alternated with the other, as prescribed by David the man of God.
2	2 Chronicles 8:14	In keeping with the ordinances of his father David, Solomon appointed the divisions of the priests over their service, and the Levites for their duties to offer praise and to minister before the priests according to the daily requirement. He also appointed gatekeepers by their divisions at each gate, for this had been the command of David, the man of God.
3	1 Chronicles 23:5	4,000 are to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 are to praise the LORD with the instruments I have made for giving praise.”
4	Amos 6:5	You improvise songs on the harp like David and invent your own musical instruments.
5	Ezra 8:1	These are the family heads and genealogical records of those who returned with me from Babylon during the reign of King Artaxerxes:
6	Ezra 7:1	Many years later, during the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,

Nehemiah 12:36 Summary

[Nehemiah 12:36 tells us about a time when the Israelites came together to worship and praise God, using musical instruments that were prescribed by King David, as seen in 1 Chronicles 15:16. This shows us the importance of worship and praise in our lives, and how we can use music and other gifts to glorify God. Just like the Israelites, we can express our gratitude and love for God through worship, as mentioned in Psalms 100:1-5. By doing so, we can bring joy and honor to God, and experience His presence and blessing in our lives.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the musical instruments prescribed by David in Nehemiah 12:36?

The musical instruments prescribed by David the man of God signify the importance of worship and praise in the life of the Israelites, as seen in 1 Chronicles 15:16 and 2 Chronicles 29:25-26, where David and other leaders of Israel gave instructions for the use of musical instruments in worship.

Who is Ezra the scribe mentioned in Nehemiah 12:36?

Ezra the scribe is a prominent leader in the post-exilic period, who led the procession and played a key role in the restoration of Jerusalem, as mentioned in the book of Ezra, particularly in Ezra 7:1-10 and Ezra 8:1-36.

What is the role of the associates mentioned in Nehemiah 12:36?

The associates, including Shemaiah, Azarel, and others, were likely musicians and singers who assisted in the worship and praise of God, similar to the role of the Levites in 1 Chronicles 6:31-48 and 2 Chronicles 5:12-13.

How does Nehemiah 12:36 relate to the overall context of the chapter?

Nehemiah 12:36 is part of the description of the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, where the Israelites gathered to give thanks and praise to God, as seen in Nehemiah 12:27-43, and is a celebration of God's faithfulness and provision, as expressed in Psalms 100:1-5 and Psalms 138:1-8.

Reflection Questions

What role do I play in the worship and praise of God, and how can I use my gifts and talents to serve Him?
How can I, like Ezra the scribe, be a leader and example in my community, pointing others to God's Word and worship?
In what ways can I, like the associates in Nehemiah 12:36, support and assist others in their worship and service to God?
What are some ways I can express my gratitude and praise to God, like the Israelites in Nehemiah 12:36, and make worship a priority in my life?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 12:36

And his brethren,.... The brethren of Zechariah, the priest's son, and such are those that follow: Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 12:36

And the sons of the singers gathered themselves together, both out of the plain country round about Jerusalem, and from the villages of Netophathi; No JFB commentary on these verses.

Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:36

Nehemiah 12:36 And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.Ver. 36. And Ezra before them] Before the first company, as Nehemiah came after the second, Nehemiah 12:4. As the first went round from the west southward till they came to the east; so the second company went from the west northward, till they came to the east, where they both met at length in the Temple, Nehemiah 12:41. Praising God with all sorts of music, vocal and instrumental. This was a most solemn and sacred procession, far different from those of the Papists. The French historian telleth us of their Henry, that going in procession together with his cardinal, they had in the middle between them Morionem, nugas et ineptias agentem, a jester to make them sport; here was good devotion therewhile. The philosopher told the fiddlers, he could be merry without them. And Aristotle being asked what he thought of music? answered, Iovem nec canere, neque cytharam pulsare, Jupiter neither sings nor plays on an instrument. But though God needeth it not, careth not for it; yet so far as it might excite and further devotion, these holy priests and Levites made use of the musical instruments of David (called musical instruments of God, 1 Chronicles 16:42), and Ezra before them, as a guide; they also sang aloud, and so generally rejoiced, that their joy was heard even afar off, Nehemiah 12:42-43. This was right.

Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:36

(36) With the musical instruments of David the man of God.—No part of the service deviated from sacred precedents (comp. Nehemiah 12:27). Ezra the scribe before them.—Between the singers and the princes came he who was the greatest in dignity, though the second in office.

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 12:36

36. Azarael … Nethaneel] R.V. Azarel … Nethanel. These two names recall ‘Nethaniah and Asharelah, the sons of Asaph,’ in 1 Chronicles 25:2. David the man of God] Cf. Nehemiah 12:24. Ezra … before them] The mention of Ezra’s name here seems to indicate that he held in respect of the ‘right hand’ procession the same position occupied by Nehemiah in the other. If so, the words ‘before them’ will mean, not at the head of the professional musicians (which was Zechariah’s place), but at the head of the whole civil and religious procession. His place in the procession would then be before Hoshaiah and half of ‘the princes of Judah’ (Nehemiah 12:31-32).

Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:36

36. The musical instruments of David — Such instruments as David invented, and introduced into the sacred service. Comp. 1 Chronicles 15:16; 1 Chronicles 23:5; 2 Chronicles 29:26.

Sermons on Nehemiah 12:36

	Sermon	Description
	Musical Instruments of God by H.J. Vine	H.J. Vine preaches on the significance of music in worship, drawing parallels between the Old Testament instruments of praise made by King David and the living instruments of prais
	To His Parents by George Fox	Greek Word Studies for an aid_number 34617 preaches on the concept of 'Possession' as described in Titus 2:14, where believers are depicted as Christ's costly possession and distin

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