Today I read Nehemiah 12, listing priests, Levites, and leaders, and telling about how they dedicated the walls and thanked God. Today I considered that even when they completed the walls of Jerusalem they thanked God.
Complete Walls Then Thank God
After the walls were complete and the leaders established, they thanked God (Nehemiah 12:1-47). The priests and Levites that returned with Zerubbabel and Jeshua/Joshua along with their leaders and associates is listed. Certain Levites were put over starting the praise of thanksgiving and others responsible for responding. People were designated at porters who kept guard at the gates and storehouses. Nehemiah was governor and Ezra a priest and scribe. The Levites and musicians from the cities were brought to Jerusalem. The priests, Levites, people, and walls were purified or sanctified. They dedicated the walls, sang songs of thanksgiving, and played instruments. There were two choirs singing walking different paths across Jerusalem with leaders following. The women and children also rejoiced, the sound was heard far way. While Zerubbabel and Nehemiah were in charge the people appreciated the priests and Levites and gave first fruits and tithes to support them, the musicians and the gatekeepers.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
The people worked hard to complete the wall, some not truly resting for 52 days. They knew that God kept them during that time and that they needed to thank God for the work being completed.
What have you completed that you knew God kept you or you would not have made it?