Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Wall of, Dedicated

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The dedication of the wall of Jerusalem is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Nehemiah. This event marks the culmination of the efforts to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, which had been in ruins since the Babylonian conquest. The dedication ceremony is a testament to the faithfulness of God and the perseverance of His people in restoring the holy city.

Historical Context

The wall of Jerusalem was originally destroyed during the Babylonian siege in 586 BC. After the Babylonian exile, the Persian King Cyrus issued a decree allowing the Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1-4). However, the rebuilding of the city's walls faced significant opposition and delays. It was not until Nehemiah, a Jewish cupbearer to the Persian King Artaxerxes, received permission and support to return to Jerusalem that the wall was successfully rebuilt.

Reconstruction and Opposition

Nehemiah's leadership was crucial in the reconstruction of the wall. Upon his arrival in Jerusalem, he surveyed the damage and organized the people to work on the wall, assigning specific sections to different families and groups (Nehemiah 3). Despite facing opposition from surrounding enemies such as Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, who mocked and threatened the workers, Nehemiah encouraged the people to trust in God and continue the work (Nehemiah 4:1-14). The wall was completed in an astonishing 52 days, a testament to the determination and unity of the people under Nehemiah's leadership (Nehemiah 6:15-16).

The Dedication Ceremony

The dedication of the wall is described in Nehemiah 12:27-43. The ceremony was a grand and joyous occasion, involving the Levites, priests, singers, and the people of Jerusalem. Nehemiah 12:27 states, "At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, they sought out the Levites from all their places to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgivings and with singing, accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres."

Two large choirs were formed to give thanks, and they marched on top of the wall in opposite directions, meeting at the house of God. This procession symbolized the unity and protection of the city under God's providence. Nehemiah 12:43 records, "On that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from afar."

Spiritual Significance

The dedication of the wall of Jerusalem holds deep spiritual significance. It represents the restoration of the community's identity and security, as well as their renewed commitment to God. The event underscores the importance of communal worship, thanksgiving, and the acknowledgment of God's hand in the success of their endeavors. The dedication also serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, highlighting themes of repentance, renewal, and divine faithfulness.

The dedication of the wall is a powerful example of how God's people can overcome adversity through faith, prayer, and collective effort. It stands as a testament to the enduring promise of God's protection and provision for those who seek to honor Him.

Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 12:27-43
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.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

How Herod and Sosius Took Jerusalem by Force; and what Death ...
... chosen men ventured to get upon the wall, and fell ... Hereupon Sosius dedicated a crown
of gold to God, and then went away from Jerusalem, leading Antigonus ...
/.../chapter 18 how herod and.htm

The Description of Jerusalem.
... 1. The city of Jerusalem was fortified with three ... were erected by king Herod, in
the old wall. ... gratify his own private affections, and dedicated these towers ...
/.../chapter 4 the description of.htm

How Herod, when He had Married Mariamne Took Jerusalem with the ...
... were Sosius's centurions; for the first wall was taken ... This destruction befell the
city of Jerusalem when Marcus ... So when Sosius had dedicated a crown of gold ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 16 how herod when.htm

In Palestine - Jews and Gentiles in the Land' - their Mutual ...
... the case of Ascalon), but the very wall of a ... in the age to come, [422] when Jerusalem
would be ... houses unclean, as containing idols or things dedicated to them ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii in palestine -.htm

Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther.
... I. The Rebuilding of the Wall, Chs.1-7. 1. Nehemiah permitted to go to Jerusalem,
1-2. ... III. The Walls Dedicated and Nehemiah's Reform, Chs.11-13. ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xi ezra nehemiah and.htm

Of the [Temple And] Cities that were Built by Herod and Erected ...
... He also built a wall about a citadel that lay above Jericho, and was a very strong
and ... Moreover, he dedicated a tower that was at Jerusalem, and called it ...
/.../chapter 21 of the temple.htm

The Restoration.
... years, during which time the temple was rebuilt and dedicated. ... secured permission
from him to go to Jerusalem as the ... he was enabled to repair the wall of the ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xvi the restoration.htm

The Syrian Persecution.
... to Jupiter was raised on the true altar, the Temple was dedicated to Jupiter ... and
were then pitched from the highest part of the wall of Jerusalem; and the ...
/.../yonge/the chosen people/lesson xvii the syrian persecution.htm

The Maccabees.
... of incense; and then they newly dedicated the Temple ... the faithful Jews, while Alcimus
held Jerusalem, and there ... the Temple, taking down the wall of separation ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xviii the maccabees.htm

How Xerxes the Son of Darius was Well Disposed to the Jews; as ...
... is found in the country of the Babylonians, as dedicated to God ... while I hear that
the walls of Jerusalem, the city ... me the favor to go and build its wall, and to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how xerxes the.htm