12 And in the days of Joiakim have been priests, heads of the fathers; of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;
And these who sing, heads of fathers of the Levites, in the chambers, `are' free, for by day and by night `they are' over them in the work. These heads of the fathers of the Levites throughout their generations `are' heads. These have dwelt in Jerusalem.
and saith to them, `Ye `are' heads of the fathers of the Levites; sanctify yourselves, ye and your brethren, and ye have brought up the ark of Jehovah, God of Israel, unto `the place' I have prepared for it;
And Shemaiah son of Nethaneel the scribe, of the Levites, writeth them before the king and the princes, and Zadok the priest, and Ahimelech son of Abiathar, and heads of the fathers, for priests and for Levites: one house of a father being taken possession of for Eleazar, and one being taken possession of for Ithamar. And the first lot goeth out for Jehoiarib, for Jedaiah the second, for Harim the third, for Seorim the fourth, for Malchijah the fifth, for Mijamin the sixth, for Hakkoz the seventh, for Abijah the eighth, for Jeshuah the ninth, for Shecaniah the tenth, for Eliashib the eleventh, for Jakim the twelfth, for Huppah the thirteenth, for Jeshebeab the fourteenth, for Bilgah the fifteenth, for Immer the sixteenth, for Hezir the seventeenth, for Aphses the eighteenth, for Pethahiah the nineteenth, for Jehezekel the twentieth, for Jachin the one and twentieth, for Gamul the two and twentieth, for Delaiah the three and twentieth, for Maaziah the four and twentieth. These `are' their appointments for their service, to come in to the house of Jehovah, according to their ordinance by the hand of Aaron their father, as Jehovah God of Israel, commanded them. And for the sons of Levi who are left: for sons of Amram, Shubael; for sons of Shubael: Jehdeiah. For Rehabiah: for sons of Rehabiah, the head Ishshiah. For the Izharite: Shelomoth; for sons of Shelomoth: Jahath. And sons of Jeriah: Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, Jekameam the fourth. Sons of Uzziel: Michah; for sons of Michah: Shamir. A brother of Michah `is' Ishshiah; for sons of Ishshiah: Zechariah; sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi; sons of Jaaziah: Beno; sons of Merari: of Jaaziah: Beno, and Shoham, and Zaccur, and Ibri. For Mahli: Eleazar, who had no sons; for Kish: sons of Kish: Jerahmeel. And sons of Mushi `are' Mahli, and Eder, and Jerimoth; these `are' sons of the Levites, for the house of their fathers, and they cast, they also, lots over-against their brethren the sons of Aaron, before David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and heads of the fathers, for priests and for Levites; the chief father over-against his younger brother.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on Nehemiah 12
Commentary on Nehemiah 12 Matthew Henry Commentary
Chapter 12
In this chapter are preserved upon record,
Neh 12:1-26
We have here the names, and little more than the names, of a great many priests and Levites, that were eminent in their day among the returned Jews. Why this register should be here inserted by Nehemiah does not appear, perhaps to keep in remembrance those good men, that posterity might know to whom they were beholden, under God, for the happy revival and re-establishment of their religion among them. Thus must we contribute towards the performance of that promise, Ps. 112:6, The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. Let the memory of the just be blessed, be perpetuated. It is a debt we still owe to faithful ministers to remember our guides, who have spoken to us the word of God, Heb. 13:7. Perhaps it is intended to stir up their posterity, who succeeded them in the priest's office and inherited their dignities and preferments, to imitate their courage and fidelity. It is good to know what our godly ancestors and predecessors were, that we may learn thereby what we should be. We have here,
Neh 12:27-43
We have read of the building of the wall of Jerusalem with a great deal of fear and trembling; we have here an account of the dedicating of it with a great deal of joy and triumph. Those that sow in tears shall thus reap.
Neh 12:44-47
We have here an account of the remaining good effects of the universal joy that was at the dedication of the wall. When the solemnities of a thanksgiving day leave such impressions on ministers and people as that both are more careful and cheerful in doing their duty afterwards, then they are indeed acceptable to God and turn to a good account. So it was here.