Nehemiah 12

Chap. XII. Ver. 1—44. Priests and Levites arranged, &c.—The Lord raises up a succession of worshippers from age to age, who honour him by their “sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving;” and who derive instruction and encouragement from the examples and actions of those who have long before entered into their rest. The believer should undertake nothing which he cannot, and does not, dedicate to God, by seeking his direction and assistance in it, and his blessing upon it; by designing his glory, and by giving praise for success in all things: and whatever he epee [else] should commit to the Lord’s keeping and disposal, and use it according to his will. But all that we sinners do must be purified by the blood of sprinkling, and by the grace of the Holy Spirit, or it cannot be acceptable unto God: and the whole church of God, which is “the lot of his inheritance,”

and the object of his choice and delight, being descended from fallen Adam, must be thus puted [purified] and rendered holy unto the Lord. Those who would e instrumental in the conversion of sinners, and the sanctification of believers, must begin with themselves: and when we “acknowledge God in all our ways,” he will so prosper and comfort us as often to cause us to rejoice with great joy. If our families be trained up to join in the solemn worship of God, and in attendance on his word, we may hope that they will share our joys and privileges; and the prosperity of the church gladdens the hearts of all true believers: and in all cases where the ministers of religion generally come forward in support of pious and benevolent measures, with zeal and alaerity [alacrity], to the satisfaction of all converned [concerned]; they take the most effectual method not’only of doing much good, but of securing the liberal and cheerful payment or contribution for the supply of themselves and families.

When their affections are thus lively, they will be disposed to love and rejoice in those ministers who are instrumental to their comfort; and to care for their suitable provision. They ought, however, to attend to their several duties, and not to be anxious about their interests; and then God will stir up the, hearts of the people to supply them in a comfortable and creditable manner. This they may receive with songs of praise and thanksgiving, and need not fear sanctifying a portion even of their portion, to the more immediate service of God and the support of his

Notes on the verses

Chap. XII. Ver. 1. Ezra.—Most probably, not the author of the preceding book, but another. Ver. 12. Jaddua.—{Jaddua is supposed to be Jaddus the high pact [priest] who went in his pontifical robes to meet Alexander the Great, when advancing to destroy Jerusalem; who was so struck with his appearance, that he forebore all hostilities, and granted many privileges to the Jews. (Josephus.) According to Eusebius, he was high priest from A. M. 3665 to 3982. |— Bagster. Ver. 25. At the thresholds.—Some, porticoes; Dr. Clarke, watch-boxes; Professor Gesenius, “the store-rooms of the gates.”” Perhaps the translation in the text is best. Ver. 27. Dedication of the wall.—{Jerusalem was the holy city and the wall was built under the immediate superintendence and blessing of Jehovah: it was, therefore, proper that it should be dedicated to that God who was there worshipped by solemn praises, prayers, and sacrifices.

‘The dedication seems to have consisted in processions of the most eminent persons around the walls, with thanksgivings to God, who had enabled them to bring the work to so happy a conclusion; and, no doubt, to all this were added a particular consecration of the city to God, and the most earnest invocation that He would take it under his guardianship, and defend it and its inhabitants against their enemies. ]—Bagster. A Ver. 31. Then I brought, &c.—" Perhaps this verse should be read, * Then I caused the princes of Judah to go up on the wall; and appointed two great py (to sing praises) and two processions, one on the right, &c.’’’—Dr. Ver. 37. Stairs, &c.—[Jerusalem being built on very uneven ground, some hills being taken in within the walls, there was a necessity that there should be in different places steps, by which to ascend and descend; probably, similar to what is seen in the city of Bristol.

“—Bagster, ‘