Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The musicians were under the king’s orders, which regulated their daily activity. New Living Translation Their daily responsibilities were carried out according to the terms of a royal command. English Standard Version For there was a command from the king concerning them, and a fixed provision for the singers, as every day required. Berean Standard Bible For there was a command from the king concerning the singers, an ordinance regulating their daily activities. King James Bible For it was the king's commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day. New King James Version For it was the king’s command concerning them that a certain portion should be for the singers, a quota day by day. New American Standard Bible For there was a commandment from the king concerning them and a royal command for the singers day by day. NASB 1995 For there was a commandment from the king concerning them and a firm regulation for the song leaders day by day. NASB 1977 For there was a commandment from the king concerning them and a firm regulation for the song leaders day by day. Legacy Standard Bible For there was a commandment from the king concerning them and a firm regulation for the song leaders day by day. Amplified Bible For there was a command from the [Persian] king regarding the singers, as to their daily task. Christian Standard Bible There was, in fact, a command of the king regarding them, and an ordinance regulating the singers’ daily tasks. Holman Christian Standard Bible There was, in fact, a command of the king regarding them, and an ordinance regulating the singers’ daily tasks. American Standard Version For there was a commandment from the king concerning them, and a settled provision for the singers, as every day required. Contemporary English Version though the daily choice of music and musicians was decided by royal decree of the Persian king. English Revised Version For there was a commandment from the king concerning them, and a settled provision for the singers, as every day required. GOD'S WORD® Translation They were under orders from the king, orders that determined which duties they should perform day by day. Good News Translation There were royal regulations stating how the clans should take turns in leading the Temple music each day. International Standard Version They were subject to the commands of the king, who provided for the singers daily. NET Bible For they were under royal orders which determined their activity day by day. New Heart English Bible For there was a commandment from the king concerning them, and a settled provision for the singers, as every day required. Webster's Bible Translation For it was the king's commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor there was a command from the king concerning the singers, an ordinance regulating their daily activities. World English Bible For there was a commandment from the king concerning them, and a settled provision for the singers, as every day required. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor the command of the king [is] on them, and support [is] for the singers, a matter of a day in its day. Young's Literal Translation for the command of the king is upon them, and support is for the singers, a matter of a day in its day. Smith's Literal Translation For the king's command concerning them a surety for those singing the word of a day in its day. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor the king's commandment was concerning them, and an order among the singing men day by day. Catholic Public Domain Version In fact, there was a precept of the king about them, and an order among the singing men, throughout each day. New American Bible for they had been appointed by royal decree, and there was a fixed schedule for the singers assigning them their daily duties. New Revised Standard Version For there was a command from the king concerning them, and a settled provision for the singers, as was required every day. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor there was a commandment from the king concerning them and a decree concerning the singers daily. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Because of the commandment of the King upon them, and the truth was determined on the Ministers, every day by day. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For there was a commandment from the king concerning them, and a sure ordinance concerning the singers, as every day required. Brenton Septuagint Translation For so was the king's commandment concerning them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Residents Outside Jerusalem…22Now the overseer of the Levites in Jerusalem was Uzzi son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Mica. He was one of Asaph’s descendants, who were the singers in charge of the service of the house of God. 23For there was a command from the king concerning the singers, an ordinance regulating their daily activities. 24Pethahiah son of Meshezabel, a descendant of Zerah son of Judah, was the king’s agent in every matter concerning the people.… Cross References 1 Chronicles 9:33 Those who were musicians, the heads of Levite families, stayed in the temple chambers and were exempt from other duties because they were on duty day and night. 2 Chronicles 8:14 In keeping with the ordinances of his father David, Solomon appointed the divisions of the priests over their service, and the Levites for their duties to offer praise and to minister before the priests according to the daily requirement. He also appointed gatekeepers by their divisions at each gate, for this had been the command of David, the man of God. 1 Chronicles 25:1 Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service: 1 Chronicles 23:30-31 They were also to stand every morning to give thanks and praise to the LORD, and likewise in the evening. / Whenever burnt offerings were presented to the LORD on the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed feasts, they were to serve regularly before the LORD in the numbers prescribed for them. 1 Chronicles 16:4-6 David appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, to celebrate, to give thanks, and to praise the LORD, the God of Israel. / Asaph was the chief, Zechariah was second, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel. They were to play the harps and lyres, while Asaph sounded the cymbals / and the priests Benaiah and Jahaziel blew the trumpets regularly before the ark of the covenant of God. 2 Chronicles 31:2 Hezekiah reestablished the divisions of the priests and Levites—each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites—for the burnt offerings and peace offerings, for ministry, for giving thanks, and for singing praises at the gates of the LORD’s dwelling. 1 Chronicles 6:31-32 These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the LORD after the ark rested there. / They ministered with song before the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. And they performed their duties according to the regulations given them. 1 Chronicles 9:22 The number of those chosen to be gatekeepers at the thresholds was 212. They were registered by genealogy in their villages. David and Samuel the seer had appointed them to their positions of trust. 2 Chronicles 29:25-30 Hezekiah stationed the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres according to the command of David, of Gad the king’s seer, and of Nathan the prophet. For the command had come from the LORD through His prophets. / The Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets. / And Hezekiah ordered that the burnt offering be sacrificed on the altar. When the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD and the trumpets began as well, accompanied by the instruments of David king of Israel. ... 1 Chronicles 23:5 4,000 are to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 are to praise the LORD with the instruments I have made for giving praise.” 1 Chronicles 15:16-22 David also told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their relatives as singers to lift up their voices with joy, accompanied by musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals. / So the Levites appointed Heman son of Joel; from his brothers, Asaph son of Berechiah; from their brothers the Merarites, Ethan son of Kushaiah; / and with them their brothers next in rank: Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, and the gatekeepers Obed-edom and Jeiel. ... 1 Chronicles 25:6-7 All these were under the direction of their fathers for the music of the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the direction of the king. / Together with their relatives, who were all trained and skillful in the songs of the LORD, they numbered 288. 1 Chronicles 16:37-42 So David left Asaph and his associates there before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to minister there regularly according to the daily requirements, / along with Obed-edom and his sixty-eight relatives. Obed-edom son of Jeduthun, and also Hosah, were to be gatekeepers. / And David left Zadok the priest and his fellow priests before the tabernacle of the LORD at the high place in Gibeon ... 1 Chronicles 23:28-32 but their duty was to assist the descendants of Aaron with the service of the house of the LORD, being responsible for the courts and chambers, the purification of all the holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God, / as well as for the rows of the showbread, the fine flour for the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baking, the mixing, and all measurements of quantity and size. / They were also to stand every morning to give thanks and praise to the LORD, and likewise in the evening. ... 1 Chronicles 9:26-27 But the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted with the rooms and the treasuries of the house of God. / They would spend the night stationed around the house of God, because they were responsible for guarding it and opening it every morning. Treasury of Scripture For it was the king's commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day. the king's. 1 Chronicles 9:33 And these are the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, who remaining in the chambers were free: for they were employed in that work day and night. Ezra 6:8,9 Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expences be given unto these men, that they be not hindered… Ezra 7:20-24 And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king's treasure house… a certain portion. Jump to Previous Amount Command Commandment Daily Due Firm King's Leaders Matter Music-Makers Order Orders Ordinance Portion Provision Regular Regulated Regulation Required Settled Singers Song Support SureJump to Next Amount Command Commandment Daily Due Firm King's Leaders Matter Music-Makers Order Orders Ordinance Portion Provision Regular Regulated Regulation Required Settled Singers Song Support SureNehemiah 11 1. The rulers, voluntary men, and the tenth man chosen by lot, dwell at Jerusalem.3. A catalogue of their names. 20. Those who remain dwell in other cities. For there was a command from the king This phrase indicates a royal decree, suggesting the importance of the singers' role in the community. The king referred to here is likely Artaxerxes I of Persia, under whose reign Nehemiah served as cupbearer and later governor of Judah. This highlights the Persian influence and support in the restoration of Jerusalem, as seen in Ezra and Nehemiah. The king's command underscores the political and administrative structure that allowed the Jewish community to reestablish their religious practices. concerning the singers an ordinance regulating their daily activities Persons / Places / Events 1. NehemiahA Jewish leader who played a crucial role in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls and reforming the community after the Babylonian exile. 2. The King Likely referring to Artaxerxes I of Persia, who supported Nehemiah's mission to rebuild Jerusalem. 3. The Singers Levites assigned to lead worship and music in the temple, playing a vital role in the spiritual life of the community. 4. Jerusalem The city central to Jewish identity and worship, undergoing restoration during Nehemiah's time. 5. The Command/Regulation A decree ensuring the provision and support for the temple singers, highlighting the importance of worship in the community. Teaching Points The Importance of WorshipWorship is central to the life of God's people. The provision for singers underscores the priority of worship in maintaining a vibrant spiritual community. God's Provision through Authority God can use secular authorities to fulfill His purposes, as seen in the king's command supporting the temple singers. Faithfulness in Service The singers had a daily duty, reminding us of the importance of consistency and dedication in our service to God. Community Support for Ministry Just as the community supported the singers, modern churches should ensure that those who lead worship and ministry are adequately supported. The Role of Music in Spiritual Life Music and singing are powerful tools for worship and teaching, helping to embed spiritual truths in the hearts of believers. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Nehemiah 11:23?2. How does Nehemiah 11:23 highlight the importance of organized worship in community life? 3. What role did the king's command play in the Levites' duties in Nehemiah 11:23? 4. How can we apply the principle of obedience from Nehemiah 11:23 today? 5. What other scriptures emphasize the importance of structured worship and service to God? 6. How does Nehemiah 11:23 encourage us to support those serving in ministry roles? 7. What does Nehemiah 11:23 reveal about the organization of temple worship in ancient Jerusalem? 8. How does Nehemiah 11:23 reflect God's provision for the Levites? 9. Why was the king's command important in Nehemiah 11:23? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 11? 11. Who was Zechariah in the Bible? 12. What evidence supports the existence of the Levites and captains mentioned in 2 Chronicles 23:8, and how do we reconcile any lack of external records? 13. Why do the details in 2 Chronicles 23:1-7 differ from the parallel account in 2 Kings 11, suggesting possible biblical inconsistencies? 14. 1 Kings 11:7 - Is there any archaeological evidence of the pagan altars and high places that Solomon supposedly built? What Does Nehemiah 11:23 Mean For there was a command from the king• The verse opens by anchoring the authority behind what follows—“there was a command from the king.” Although Nehemiah served the Persian king Artaxerxes I (Nehemiah 2:1), Scripture makes clear that every earthly ruler’s heart “is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; He directs it wherever He pleases” (Proverbs 21:1). • God used a pagan monarch to provide for temple ministry in Jerusalem, demonstrating His sovereign orchestration of civil authority for sacred purposes, just as He had done earlier through Cyrus (Ezra 1:1-4). • This command underscores the literal fulfillment of God’s promise to restore worship in Jerusalem after exile (Jeremiah 29:10-14). Concerning the singers • The focus narrows to the Levitical singers, a special group charged with leading Israel in praise (1 Chronicles 9:33). • Worship through song was not optional; it was integral to covenant life. David had earlier organized singers “to minister before the ark of the Lord, to proclaim, to give thanks, and to praise” (1 Chronicles 16:4-6). • By specifying singers, the king’s command acknowledges their spiritual and communal value, echoing the biblical principle that God “inhabits the praises of Israel” (Psalm 22:3). An ordinance • The word “ordinance” highlights that the command became permanent policy, not a one-time subsidy. It established a legal framework ensuring sustained worship. • Comparable ordinances had existed under David and Solomon (2 Chronicles 8:14-15), and their revival demonstrates continuity between pre-exile and post-exile worship patterns. • This arrangement reflects God’s desire for ordered, not haphazard, praise—“Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Colossians 14:40). Regulating their daily activities • The ordinance provided daily provisions—likely food allowances or financial support—so singers could devote themselves fully to ministry (cf. Nehemiah 12:44-47). • This principle parallels the New Testament teaching that “those who proclaim the gospel should live from the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:13-14). • Regular, dependable support safeguarded consistency in worship, preventing neglect similar to the lapse corrected in Nehemiah 13:10-12 when Levites had to abandon temple service to earn a living. • The daily rhythm of praise foreshadowed the unceasing worship of heaven, where “they never stop saying, ‘Holy, holy, holy’” (Revelation 4:8). summary Nehemiah 11:23 reveals God’s meticulous care for worship: He moves a secular king to issue a binding decree that guarantees daily provision for temple singers. By legislating continual praise, the Lord secures an ordered, God-honoring environment in Jerusalem, reminding believers that He remains sovereign over governments, values dedicated worship leaders, and expects His people to support those who minister so that praise may rise to Him without interruption. (23) The king's commandment.--It seems that Artaxerxes had gone beyond the exemption of Ezra 7:24, and given them a daily allowance, which it was the business of Uzzi to see to.Verse 23. - For it was the king's commandment concerning them. Artaxerxes, it appears, had assigned a certain stipend from the royal revenue for the support of such Levites as were singers, and this stipend had to be paid to them day by day. It is suggested as the grounds for this special favour -1. That the Levites engaged in the choral service were regarded as those especially who prayed "for the life of the king and of his sons" (Ezra 6:10); and, 2. That the singing Levites who returned from Babylon, being so few in number (128), had to be constantly on duty in the temple, and so needed a regular daily stipend. The nexus of this verse with the preceding one imp!ice that the payment in question was an important part of the internal business of the house committed to Uzzi. Hebrew Forכִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction [there was] a command מִצְוַ֥ת (miṣ·waṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 4687: Commandment from the king הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king concerning [the singers], עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם (‘ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against an ordinance וַאֲמָנָ֥ה (wa·’ă·mā·nāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 548: Something fixed, a covenant, an allowance regulating עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against [their] הַמְשֹׁרְרִ֖ים (ham·šō·rə·rîm) Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 7891: To sing daily י֥וֹם (yō·wm) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day activities. דְּבַר־ (də·ḇar-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause Links Nehemiah 11:23 NIVNehemiah 11:23 NLT Nehemiah 11:23 ESV Nehemiah 11:23 NASB Nehemiah 11:23 KJV Nehemiah 11:23 BibleApps.com Nehemiah 11:23 Biblia Paralela Nehemiah 11:23 Chinese Bible Nehemiah 11:23 French Bible Nehemiah 11:23 Catholic Bible OT History: Nehemiah 11:23 For there was a commandment (Neh Ne) |
    |