Nehemiah 12:27
New International Version
At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres.

New Living Translation
For the dedication of the new wall of Jerusalem, the Levites throughout the land were asked to come to Jerusalem to assist in the ceremonies. They were to take part in the joyous occasion with their songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps, and lyres.

English Standard Version
And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres.

Berean Standard Bible
At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from all their homes and brought to Jerusalem to celebrate the joyous dedication with thanksgiving and singing, accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres.

King James Bible
And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.

New King James Version
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 gladness, both with thanksgivings and singing, with cymbals and stringed instruments and harps.

New American Standard Bible
Now at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought out the Levites from all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem so that they could celebrate the dedication with joy, with songs of thanksgiving and with songs to the accompaniment of cymbals, harps, and lyres.

NASB 1995
Now at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought out the Levites from all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem so that they might celebrate the dedication with gladness, with hymns of thanksgiving and with songs to the accompaniment of cymbals, harps and lyres.

NASB 1977
Now at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought out the Levites from all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem so that they might celebrate the dedication with gladness, with hymns of thanksgiving and with songs to the accompaniment of cymbals, harps, and lyres.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought out the Levites from all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem so that they might celebrate the dedication with gladness, with hymns of thanksgiving and with songs to the accompaniment of cymbals, harps and lyres.

Amplified Bible
Now at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought out the Levites from all their places in order to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with hymns of thanksgiving, and with songs to the accompaniment of cymbals, harps, and lyres.

Christian Standard Bible
At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, they sent for the Levites wherever they lived and brought them to Jerusalem to celebrate the joyous dedication with thanksgiving and singing accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, they sent for the Levites wherever they lived and brought them to Jerusalem to celebrate the joyous dedication with thanksgiving and singing accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres.

American Standard Version
And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.

Contemporary English Version
When the city wall was dedicated, Levites from everywhere in Judah were invited to join in the celebration with songs of praise and with the music of cymbals, small harps, and other stringed instruments.

English Revised Version
And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication, with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When the wall of Jerusalem was going to be dedicated, they went to wherever the Levites lived and had them come to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication joyfully with hymns of thanksgiving, with songs and cymbals, and with harps and lyres.

Good News Translation
When the city wall of Jerusalem was dedicated, the Levites were brought in from wherever they were living, so that they could join in celebrating the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals and harps.

International Standard Version
At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, they invited the descendants of Levi to come from wherever they lived to Jerusalem so they could celebrate the dedication with joy, thanksgiving, and songs, accompanied by cymbals, lyres, and harps.

Majority Standard Bible
At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from all their homes and brought to Jerusalem to celebrate the joyous dedication with thanksgiving and singing, accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres.

NET Bible
At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, they sought out the Levites from all the places they lived to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication joyfully with songs of thanksgiving and songs accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres.

New Heart English Bible
At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with giving thanks, and with singing, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and with harps.

Webster's Bible Translation
And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.

World English Bible
At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to keep the dedication with gladness, both with giving thanks and with singing, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and with harps.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to make the dedication even with gladness, and with thanksgivings, and with singing, [with] cymbals, psalteries, and with harps;

Young's Literal Translation
And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them in to Jerusalem, to make the dedication even with gladness, and with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps;

Smith's Literal Translation
And in the consecration of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to do the consecration and gladness, and with praises and with song of cymbals, lyres, and with harps.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, and to keep the dedication, and to rejoice with thanksgiving, and with singing, and with cymbals, and psalteries and harps.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, they sought the Levites from all their places, so that they might bring them to Jerusalem, and so that they might keep the dedication, and rejoice with thanksgiving, and with singing, and with cymbals, psalteries, and lyres.

New American Bible
At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out wherever they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate a joyful dedication with thanksgiving hymns and the music of cymbals, harps, and lyres.

New Revised Standard Version
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.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when the wall of Jerusalem was finished, they gathered the Levites together in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness and rejoicing, with thanksgiving and with singing, with cymbals and with harps.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when the wall of Jerusalem was finished, the Levites assembled with their entire place to bring them to Jerusalem, and to make a banquet and celebration, and thanksgiving and singing and cymbals and harps.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites in their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep a feast of dedication and gladness with thanksgiving, and they sounded cymbals with songs, and had psalteries and harps.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Dedication of the Wall
27At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from all their homes and brought to Jerusalem to celebrate the joyous dedication with thanksgiving and singing, accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres. 28The singers were also assembled from the region around Jerusalem, from the villages of the Netophathites,…

Cross References
Ezra 3:10-11
When the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their positions to praise the LORD, as David king of Israel had prescribed. / And they sang responsively with praise and thanksgiving to the LORD: “For He is good; for His loving devotion to Israel endures forever.” Then all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD had been laid.

1 Chronicles 15:16-28
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. ...

Psalm 68:24-27
They have seen Your procession, O God—the march of my God and King into the sanctuary. / The singers lead the way, the musicians follow after, among the maidens playing tambourines. / Bless God in the great congregation; bless the LORD from the fountain of Israel. ...

2 Chronicles 5:12-13
all the Levitical singers—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps, and lyres, accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. / The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” And the temple, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud

Psalm 150:3-6
Praise Him with the sound of the horn; praise Him with the harp and lyre. / Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute. / Praise Him with clashing cymbals; praise Him with resounding cymbals. ...

1 Chronicles 13:8
David and all the Israelites were celebrating before God with all their might, with songs and on harps and lyres, with tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets.

2 Samuel 6:5
David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of wood instruments, harps, stringed instruments, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals.

Psalm 81:1-2
For the choirmaster. According to Gittith. Of Asaph. Sing for joy to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob. / Lift up a song, strike the tambourine, play the sweet-sounding harp and lyre.

Psalm 98:4-6
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth—let your cry ring out, and sing praises! / Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, in melodious song with the harp. / With trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn shout for joy before the LORD, the King.

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. ...

Psalm 47:1-7
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout unto God with a voice of triumph. / How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth! / He subdues nations beneath us, and peoples under our feet. ...

Psalm 149:1-3
Hallelujah! Sing to the LORD a new song—His praise in the assembly of the godly. / Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King. / Let them praise His name with dancing, and make music to Him with tambourine and harp.

Isaiah 51:3
For the LORD will comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; He will make her wilderness like Eden and her desert like the garden of the LORD. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and melodious song.

Psalm 100:1-2
A Psalm of thanksgiving. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. / Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs.

Ephesians 5:19
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord,


Treasury of Scripture

And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.

A.

Deuteronomy 20:5
And the officers shall speak unto the people, saying, What man is there that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.

Psalm 30:1-12
A Psalm and Song at the dedication of the house of David. I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me…

out.

Nehemiah 11:20
And the residue of Israel, of the priests, and the Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, every one in his inheritance.

1 Chronicles 15:4,12
And David assembled the children of Aaron, and the Levites: …

1 Chronicles 25:6
All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God, according to the king's order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman.

gladness.

Nehemiah 8:17
And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness.

Deuteronomy 16:11
And thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to place his name there.

2 Samuel 6:12
And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness.

thanksgivings.

1 Chronicles 13:8
And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets.

1 Chronicles 15:16,28
And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy…

1 Chronicles 16:5,42
Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obededom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals; …

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Celebrate Corded Cymbals Dedication Feast Gladness Harps Holy Hymns Instruments Jerusalem Joy Joyfully Levites Melody Music Places Praise Psalteries Singing Songs Sought Stringed Thanks Thanksgiving Thanksgivings Wall
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Celebrate Corded Cymbals Dedication Feast Gladness Harps Holy Hymns Instruments Jerusalem Joy Joyfully Levites Melody Music Places Praise Psalteries Singing Songs Sought Stringed Thanks Thanksgiving Thanksgivings Wall
Nehemiah 12
1. The priests and the Levites which came up with Zerubbabel.
10. The succession of high priests.
22. Certain chief Levites.
27. The solemnity of the dedication of the walls.
44. The offices of priests and Levites appointed in the temple.














At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem
The dedication of the wall marks the completion of a significant project led by Nehemiah, who was appointed by King Artaxerxes of Persia to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. This event signifies not only a physical restoration but also a spiritual renewal for the Jewish people. The wall's completion fulfilled the prophecy of restoration found in Isaiah 44:28 and 45:13, where God promises to rebuild Jerusalem. The dedication ceremony reflects the importance of consecrating the work to God, similar to the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8.

the Levites were sought out from all their homes
The Levites, descendants of Levi, were designated as the priestly tribe responsible for religious duties and temple service. Their involvement underscores the religious significance of the event. Seeking them from all their homes indicates a widespread gathering, emphasizing unity and the importance of their role in worship. This mirrors the gathering of Levites during King Hezekiah's reforms in 2 Chronicles 29:4-5.

and brought to Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the spiritual and political center of Israel, holds deep significance as the city of David and the location of the temple. Bringing the Levites to Jerusalem highlights the city's central role in Jewish worship and identity. This act also symbolizes the gathering of God's people to His holy city, reminiscent of prophecies like Isaiah 2:2-3, which speak of nations coming to Jerusalem to learn God's ways.

to celebrate the joyous dedication
The celebration is marked by joy, reflecting the fulfillment of God's promises and the restoration of the community. Joy in worship is a recurring theme in the Psalms, such as Psalm 100:2, which calls for serving the Lord with gladness. This joy also prefigures the ultimate joy found in Christ, who brings spiritual restoration and fulfillment of God's promises.

with thanksgiving and singing
Thanksgiving and singing are integral parts of Hebrew worship, as seen throughout the Psalms. This expression of gratitude acknowledges God's faithfulness and provision. Singing, often led by the Levites, plays a crucial role in worship, as seen in 1 Chronicles 15:16, where David appoints Levites to sing and play instruments before the ark.

accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres
The use of musical instruments in worship is well-documented in the Old Testament, particularly in the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 150). Cymbals, harps, and lyres were common in temple worship, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere. This musical accompaniment underscores the joy and solemnity of the occasion, reflecting the rich tradition of music in Israel's worship practices. The instruments also symbolize the harmony and order of worship, pointing to the ultimate harmony found in Christ, who reconciles all things to Himself (Colossians 1:20).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
The governor of Judah who led the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and organized the dedication ceremony.

2. Levites
Members of the tribe of Levi, set apart for religious duties, who were sought out to lead the celebration with music and thanksgiving.

3. Jerusalem
The holy city where the wall was rebuilt and dedicated, symbolizing protection and restoration for the Jewish people.

4. Dedication of the Wall
A significant event marking the completion of the wall, celebrated with music and joy, signifying God's faithfulness and the people's unity.

5. Musical Instruments
Cymbals, harps, and lyres were used in the celebration, highlighting the importance of music in worship and thanksgiving.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Dedication
Dedication ceremonies are significant as they acknowledge God's provision and faithfulness. In our lives, dedicating our work and achievements to God can be a powerful act of worship.

Role of Music in Worship
Music is a vital component of worship, as seen in the dedication of the wall. Incorporating music into our personal and corporate worship can enhance our expression of gratitude and joy.

Unity in Celebration
The gathering of Levites and the community for the dedication highlights the importance of unity in worship. As believers, coming together to celebrate God's work fosters community and strengthens faith.

Thanksgiving as a Lifestyle
The emphasis on hymns of thanksgiving during the dedication teaches us to cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude, recognizing God's hand in all aspects of our lives.

Seeking Out the Gifted
Nehemiah's effort to bring the Levites to Jerusalem shows the value of recognizing and utilizing the gifts of others in the body of Christ for the purpose of worship and service.(27-43) The dedication of the wall. Henceforth Nehemiah speaks in his own person.

(27) They sought the Levites.--The dedication was to be processional and musical, as well as sacrificial: after the pattern of Solomon's dedication of the Temple.

Verse 27. - And at the dedication ... they sought the Levites. The nexus of this passage seems to be with Nehemiah 11:36; and we may suppose that originally it followed immediately on ch. 11. - the lists (Nehemiah 12:1-26) being a later insertion. The author, having (in Nehemiah 11:36) told us of the wide dispersion of the Levites, now notes that they were summoned from all the places where they dwelt, and brought (one and all) to Jerusalem for the solemnity of the dedication. To keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgiving and with singing, etc. Solomon's dedication of the temple was the pattern followed. As he had made the service altogether one of praise and thanksgiving (2 Chronicles 5:13), and had employed in it cymbals, trumpets, psalteries, and harps (ibid. ver. 12), so Nehemiah on the present occasion.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
At the dedication
וּבַחֲנֻכַּ֞ת (ū·ḇa·ḥă·nuk·kaṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2598: Initiation, consecration

of the wall
חוֹמַ֣ת (ḥō·w·maṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2346: A wall of protection

of Jerusalem,
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם (yə·rū·šā·lim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

the Levites
הַלְוִיִּם֙ (hal·wî·yim)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi

were sought out
בִּקְשׁ֤וּ (biq·šū)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after

from all
מִכָּל־ (mik·kāl)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

their homes
מְק֣וֹמֹתָ֔ם (mə·qō·w·mō·ṯām)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition

and brought
לַהֲבִיאָ֖ם (la·hă·ḇî·’ām)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to Jerusalem
לִֽירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם (lî·rū·šā·lim)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

to celebrate
לַעֲשֹׂ֨ת (la·‘ă·śōṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6213: To do, make

the joyous
וְשִׂמְחָה֙ (wə·śim·ḥāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8057: Blithesomeness, glee

dedication
חֲנֻכָּ֤ה (ḥă·nuk·kāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2598: Initiation, consecration

with thanksgiving
וּבְתוֹד֣וֹת (ū·ḇə·ṯō·w·ḏō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8426: An extension of the hand, avowal, adoration, a choir of worshippers

and singing,
וּבְשִׁ֔יר (ū·ḇə·šîr)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7892: A song, singing

accompanied by cymbals,
מְצִלְתַּ֖יִם (mə·ṣil·ta·yim)
Noun - cd
Strong's 4700: Double tinklers, cymbals

harps,
נְבָלִ֥ים (nə·ḇā·lîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5035: A skin-bag for, liquids, a vase, a lyre

and lyres.
וּבְכִנֹּרֽוֹת׃ (ū·ḇə·ḵin·nō·rō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3658: A harp


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OT History: Nehemiah 12:27 At the dedication of the wall (Neh Ne)
Nehemiah 12:26
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