Nehemiah 12:27-44
One day, when the high walls of Jerusalem were finished, the people met together to give thanks to God that the great work was completed, and to dedicate those walls to Him; that meant, to make it known to all, that those walls were for use to the honor of God.
People now often meet to dedicate a new building, but perhaps not often to the honor of God. You may wonder how stone walls could be for an honor to God. It was because the temple of God was in that city, and the walls were to keep away any who would do harm to the temple, or bring evil ways to the people.
Many came from the country and towns of Judah to celebrate with those in the City. There were priests with the trumpets, men with cymbals and harps, and many singers to lead the people in praise and thanks to God.
Where do you suppose the men marched while they played and sang? On the top of the big stone walls. In our land there would hardly be a wall wide enough for men to march upon, but that wall was very wide and strong.
Nehemiah divided the men to lead the music and singing into two great companies, and other men also marched with them; Ezra led one company, and Nehemiah, one. They started from the fountain gate and went up the stairs unto the wall close by what was once the palace of King David; one company marching one way on the top of the walls, around the city; the other company marching the opposite way.
We cannot well describe this procession, for the gates and towers are not now the same, yet we can imagine what a great celebrating it must have been, the men singing and playing while they marched on top of the walls, and the people shouting and singing in the streets. All had helped with the work of the wails; if not in building, to supply food or other needs of the workers; and they all rejoiced together.
The two companies came together again at the sheep and the water gates, which seem to have been near the temple, and in that, they again praised God. No doubt many psalms were sung that day, as those were their hymns of praise to God.
“Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised in the city of our God.” Psalms 48:1.
Did you notice from where the men started the march to praise God? It was from the fountain gate. And we all must start at such a gate before we can sing praise to God; not at a city wall, but out “fountain gate” is the Lord Jesus Chirst, He only can give life and blessing.
Notice, too, the people were not sorry to praise and thank God but very happy.
Were the children also happy that day, and where was the sound of the singing heard? (Verse 13).
ML 01/28/1940