Topical Bible: Joy: when the Wall of Jerusalem Was Dedicated

◄ Joy: when the Wall of Jerusalem Was Dedicated ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, as recorded in the Book of Nehemiah, is a significant event marked by profound joy and celebration among the Israelites. This occasion is a testament to the faithfulness of God and the unity of His people in the face of adversity.

Historical Context

The wall of Jerusalem was rebuilt under the leadership of Nehemiah, who was appointed as governor by King Artaxerxes of Persia. The reconstruction took place during the post-exilic period, a time when the Jewish people were returning from Babylonian captivity. The wall's completion was not only a physical restoration of the city but also a spiritual renewal for the community.

The Dedication Ceremony

The dedication of the wall is described in Nehemiah 12:27-43. The event was meticulously planned, involving the Levites, priests, singers, and musicians. 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 hymns of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps, and lyres."

Two large choirs were appointed to give thanks, and they marched on top of the wall in opposite directions, eventually meeting at the house of God. This procession symbolized the unity and protection that the wall provided, as well as the communal effort that went into its construction.

Expressions of Joy

The joy experienced during the dedication was palpable and widespread. Nehemiah 12:43 captures the essence of this joy: "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."

This joy was not merely an emotional response but a deep, spiritual acknowledgment of God's providence and faithfulness. The people's rejoicing was an act of worship, recognizing that the successful completion of the wall was due to divine intervention and blessing.

Spiritual Significance

The joy at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community, worship, and gratitude in the life of God's people. It highlights the role of leadership, as exemplified by Nehemiah, in guiding and inspiring the community to achieve what seemed impossible.

Moreover, the event underscores the theme of restoration and renewal. The physical rebuilding of the wall paralleled the spiritual rebuilding of the people, as they recommitted themselves to the covenant with God. The joy they experienced was a reflection of their renewed relationship with Him.

In summary, the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem was a momentous occasion filled with joy, thanksgiving, and worship. It stands as a testament to the enduring faithfulness of God and the power of communal effort in achieving His purposes.

Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 12:43
Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

How Xerxes the Son of Darius was Well Disposed to the Jews; as ...
... feast, and what was agreeable to a day of joy; but to ... trouble, 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

How the Romans Carried their Ensigns to the Temple, and Made ...
... the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem. ... Titus imperator [25] with the
greatest acclamations of joy. ... greater obstacle is there than the wall of the ...
/.../chapter 6 how the romans.htm

How Herod Rebuilt the Temple and Raised it Higher and Made it More ...
... of Syria, when he once came to Jerusalem, and had ... a few steps: this was encompassed
by a stone wall for a ... which all the people were full of joy; and presently ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how herod rebuilt.htm

The Epistle to the Philippians.
... messengers; and on his last journey to Jerusalem, in the ... to the Philippians, who
expressed his joy that "the ... lofty gateways, and a portion of the city wall. ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 97 the epistle to.htm

Jewish Homes
... this moat, one would be at the city wall proper, and ... 31), intended to apply to the
last siege of Jerusalem: "And let ... it as a season of sacred rest and of joy. ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 6 jewish homes.htm

The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple
... by Mary's wise answers and by her parents' tears of joy. ... a terrace high up on the
top of the wall. ... In general the streets of Jerusalem are rather quiet, except ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/iii the presentation of the.htm

Letter cxxvii. To Principia.
... was Moab taken, in the night did her wall fall down ... blood have they shed like water
round about Jerusalem; and there ... is said to have burst into great joy and to ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxvii to principia.htm

Hebrew Captives; Or, Mordecai and Esther.
... new temple was dedicated with great solemnity and joy. ... plan of its rebuilding, including
an encircling wall. ... take charge of the religious service at Jerusalem. ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/hebrew captives or mordecai and.htm

The Prophecies
... "And I will rejoice in Jerusalem and joy in my ... of the commandment to restore and
to build Jerusalem unto the ... street shall be built again, and the wall, even in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section xi the prophecies.htm

What was Heard in the Basilica of Peace
... his throne with its back to the wall, his pale ... At Jerusalem has been an earthquake,
and the bishop John ... to follow shall humanity know this frank joy at having ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/ii what was heard in.htm