Nehemiah 12: Dedication Of The Wall

With the work of rebuilding the wall completed, the covenant renewed, and the city of Jerusalem on its way to being repopulated, it's time for a party!

Nehemiah 12 tells of a grand celebration that took place for the dedication of the wall.  First, they found as many Levites as they could: "Now at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought out the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with rejoicing, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres" (vs. 27).

Meanwhile, Governor Nehemiah arranged all the leaders and officials of the people into a parade, a procession that would split in two at the wall, with half going to the right and half going to the left, until merging at the Temple.  The thanksgivings and praises were lifted up to God, accompanied by trumpets and singing.

All in all, it was a fantastic party: "They offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. The joy of Jerusalem was heard far away" (vs. 43).