Nehemiah is not satisfied merely with the completion of the physical wall. No, this was just the beginning. Jerusalem was to be administered according to principles laid out in the Word of God — especially those established by King David. Nehemiah appoints porters, singers, and Levites. The order is most instructive.
Firstly we have the porters; these minded the gates. Though it may be contrary to our natural thoughts, God would have us to be vigilant as to who comes and goes in the assembly. As we have earlier observed, Jerusalem was where God had placed His name. Today, however, if we are found gathered together unto His name, then that place is now the assembly. Initially, in the history of the church, physical persecution was a very real possibility; Paul was not at first received out of fear, and Barnabas had to vouch for him (Acts 9:26-27). Later, the Apostle himself had to warn those in a position of oversight at Ephesus that some would come in among them as grievous wolves (Acts 20:29). The overseer was especially tasked with the care of the assembly (1 Tim. 3:5). In the Revelation, the church at Ephesus is commended for having rejected false apostles (Rev. 2:2). Finally, Jude must bring to the notice of the saints that ungodly men had crept in among them unawares (Jude 4). Whereas Ephesus hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans (Rev. 2:6), the assembly at Pergamos had allowed those that held that doctrine into their very midst (Rev. 2:15).
Secondly, we read that Nehemiah appointed singers. These appear to have first been appointed by David: “These are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the Lord, after that the ark had rest. And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing, until Solomon had built the house of the Lord in Jerusalem: and then they waited on their office according to their order” (1 Chron. 6:31-32). They offered up praise to God day and night (1 Chron. 9:33). Surely, we are reminded of our sacrifice of praise: “let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually” (Heb. 13:15). Such praise need not be limited to times of worship, though it would seem that this was the primary intent. Paul and Silas, in their darkest hour, were found praising God with singing (Acts 16:25).
Lastly, we read of the Levites. These were “appointed unto all manner of service of the tabernacle of the house of God” (1 Chron. 6:48). As with the pattern we see elsewhere in Scripture, that portion which belongs to God comes first — worship — and then service follows. Leviticus precedes the book of Numbers; our sacrifice of praise is to take precedence over our giving of self and substance (Heb. 13:15-16).
All, however, is under the watchful care of the porters. God’s glory and honor must always be maintained. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, where so much was wrong, he emphasizes the Lordship of Christ. We are “called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Cor. 1:9). To the Colossians, he must bring before them the headship of Christ. “He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence” (Col. 1:18). It is not our house; it is the house of God.