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Nehemiah 12:27

Nehemiah 12:27 in Multiple Translations

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.

¶ 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.

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.

And when the time came for the wall of Jerusalem to be made holy, they sent for the Levites out of all their places to come to Jerusalem, to keep the feast with joy, and with praise and melody, with brass and corded instruments of music.

In order to dedicate the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were called from everywhere they were living to come to Jerusalem and celebrate with joy the dedication with songs of praise and thanks, accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres.

And in the dedication of the wall at Ierusalem they sought the Leuites out of all their places to bring them to Ierusalem to keepe the dedication and gladnes, both with thankesgiuings and with songs, cymbales, violes and with harpes.

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;

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.

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.

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.

When we dedicated the wall around Jerusalem, we summoned the descendants of Levi who help the priests from the nearby places where they were living. We asked them to join with us to celebrate when we dedicated the wall. We wanted them to sing songs to thank Yahweh and make music by playing cymbals and harps and other stringed instruments.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 12:27

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Nehemiah 12:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/בַ/חֲנֻכַּ֞ת חוֹמַ֣ת יְרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם בִּקְשׁ֤וּ אֶת הַ/לְוִיִּם֙ מִ/כָּל מְק֣וֹמֹתָ֔/ם לַ/הֲבִיאָ֖/ם לִֽ/ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם לַ/עֲשֹׂ֨ת חֲנֻכָּ֤ה וְ/שִׂמְחָה֙ וּ/בְ/תוֹד֣וֹת וּ/בְ/שִׁ֔יר מְצִלְתַּ֖יִם נְבָלִ֥ים וּ/בְ/כִנֹּרֽוֹת
וּ/בַ/חֲנֻכַּ֞ת chănukkâh H2598 dedication Conj | Prep | N-fs
חוֹמַ֣ת chôwmâh H2346 wall N-fs
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem N-proper
בִּקְשׁ֤וּ bâqash H1245 to seek V-Piel-Perf-3cp
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ/לְוִיִּם֙ Lêvîyîy H3881 Levi Art | Ngmpa
מִ/כָּל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms
מְק֣וֹמֹתָ֔/ם mâqôwm H4725 place N-mp | Suff
לַ/הֲבִיאָ֖/ם bôwʼ H935 Lebo Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
לִֽ/ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem Prep | N-proper
לַ/עֲשֹׂ֨ת ʻâsâh H6213 to make Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
חֲנֻכָּ֤ה chănukkâh H2598 dedication N-fs
וְ/שִׂמְחָה֙ simchâh H8057 joy Conj | N-fs
וּ/בְ/תוֹד֣וֹת tôwdâh H8426 thanksgiving Conj | Prep | N-fp
וּ/בְ/שִׁ֔יר shîyr H7892 song Conj | Prep | N-cs
מְצִלְתַּ֖יִם mᵉtsêleth H4700 cymbal N-fd
נְבָלִ֥ים nebel H5035 bag N-mp
וּ/בְ/כִנֹּרֽוֹת kinnôwr H3658 lyre Conj | Prep | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 12:27

וּ/בַ/חֲנֻכַּ֞ת chănukkâh H2598 "dedication" Conj | Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word means to initiate or consecrate something, like the dedication of the temple in Ezra. It involves setting something apart for a special purpose, often with a ceremony or ritual, and is seen in the story of the rededication of the temple during the Maccabean Revolt.
Definition: dedication, consecration Aramaic equivalent: cha.nuk.kah (חֲנֻכָּה "dedication" H2597)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: dedicating(-tion). See also: Numbers 7:10; Numbers 7:88; Psalms 30:1.
חוֹמַ֣ת chôwmâh H2346 "wall" N-fs
A wall of protection, like the walls of Jerusalem, provided safety and security for the people. It appears in the Bible as a physical barrier. The Israelites built walls around their cities for defense.
Definition: wall
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: wall, walled. See also: Exodus 14:22; Nehemiah 6:15; Psalms 51:20.
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 "Jerusalem" N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
בִּקְשׁ֤וּ bâqash H1245 "to seek" V-Piel-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/לְוִיִּם֙ Lêvîyîy H3881 "Levi" Art | Ngmpa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
מִ/כָּל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
מְק֣וֹמֹתָ֔/ם mâqôwm H4725 "place" N-mp | Suff
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
לַ/הֲבִיאָ֖/ם bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
לִֽ/ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 "Jerusalem" Prep | N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
לַ/עֲשֹׂ֨ת ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
חֲנֻכָּ֤ה chănukkâh H2598 "dedication" N-fs
In the Bible, this word means to initiate or consecrate something, like the dedication of the temple in Ezra. It involves setting something apart for a special purpose, often with a ceremony or ritual, and is seen in the story of the rededication of the temple during the Maccabean Revolt.
Definition: dedication, consecration Aramaic equivalent: cha.nuk.kah (חֲנֻכָּה "dedication" H2597)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: dedicating(-tion). See also: Numbers 7:10; Numbers 7:88; Psalms 30:1.
וְ/שִׂמְחָה֙ simchâh H8057 "joy" Conj | N-fs
This Hebrew word means joy or gladness, often used to describe a happy occasion or celebration, like a festival. It's used in the Bible to express God's joy and pleasure. In the KJV, it's translated as joy, gladness, or mirth.
Definition: 1) joy, mirth, gladness 1a) mirth, gladness, joy, gaiety, pleasure 1b) joy (of God) 1c) glad result, happy issue
Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing). See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 106:5; Psalms 4:8.
וּ/בְ/תוֹד֣וֹת tôwdâh H8426 "thanksgiving" Conj | Prep | N-fp
This Hebrew word means thanksgiving or praise, often in the form of worship or a song. It appears in Psalm 100:1, a call to worship God with thanksgiving. The Israelites used it to express gratitude to God.
Definition: 1) confession, praise, thanksgiving 1a) give praise to God 1b) thanksgiving in songs of liturgical worship, hymn of praise 1c) thanksgiving choir or procession or line or company 1d) thank-offering, sacrifice of thanksgiving 1e) confession
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: confession, (sacrifice of) praise, thanks(-giving, offering). See also: Leviticus 7:12; Psalms 50:23; Psalms 26:7.
וּ/בְ/שִׁ֔יר shîyr H7892 "song" Conj | Prep | N-cs
This word refers to a song or singing, and it is used in the Bible to describe musical expressions of praise and worship, like the songs of David in the book of Psalms. It can also be used to describe a specific song or ode.
Definition: 1) song 1a) lyric song 1b) religious song 1c) song of Levitical choirs Also means: shi.rah (שִׁירָה "song" H7892B)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: musical(-ick), [idiom] sing(-er, -ing), song. See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 76:1; Psalms 18:1.
מְצִלְתַּ֖יִם mᵉtsêleth H4700 "cymbal" N-fd
Metselt refers to cymbals, specifically double tinklers used to make music in biblical times.
Definition: cymbals
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: cymbals. See also: 1 Chronicles 13:8; 1 Chronicles 25:1; Nehemiah 12:27.
נְבָלִ֥ים nebel H5035 "bag" N-mp
A harp is a musical instrument, and this word is also used to describe a skin-bag for liquids or a vase. It is often translated as a psaltery or viol in the Bible.
Definition: 1) a skin-bag, jar, pitcher 1a) skin-bottle, skin 1b) jar, pitcher (earthen)
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: bottle, pitcher, psaltery, vessel, viol. See also: 1 Samuel 1:24; Nehemiah 12:27; Psalms 33:2.
וּ/בְ/כִנֹּרֽוֹת kinnôwr H3658 "lyre" Conj | Prep | N-mp
Kinnor is a musical instrument, specifically a lyre or harp. It is used to make music and is mentioned in the Bible as a instrument used by musicians.
Definition: lyre, harp
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: harp. See also: Genesis 4:21; Job 21:12; Psalms 33:2.

Study Notes — Nehemiah 12:27

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Chronicles 15:16 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.
2 1 Chronicles 15:28 So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, with the sounding of rams’ horns and trumpets, and with cymbals and the music of harps and lyres.
3 2 Chronicles 29:30 Then King Hezekiah and his officials ordered the Levites to sing praises to the LORD in the words of David and of Asaph the seer. So they sang praises with gladness and bowed their heads and worshiped.
4 2 Chronicles 5:13 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
5 Deuteronomy 20:5 Furthermore, the officers are to address the army, saying, “Has any man built a new house and not dedicated it? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man dedicate it.
6 1 Chronicles 15:12 And he said to them, “You are the heads of the Levitical families. You and your relatives must consecrate yourselves so that you may bring the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it.
7 1 Chronicles 15:4 Then he gathered together the descendants of Aaron and the Levites:
8 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.
9 Revelation 5:8 When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
10 Nehemiah 8:17 The whole assembly who had returned from exile made booths and lived in them. From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated like this. And there was great rejoicing.

Nehemiah 12:27 Summary

This verse tells us about a big celebration that happened when the wall of Jerusalem was finished being built. The Levites, who were the spiritual leaders of the Israelites, were brought to Jerusalem to lead the celebration, which included music and singing, as seen in Psalms 100:1-2. It was a time for the people to thank God for His protection and provision, and to dedicate the wall to Him. Just like the Israelites, we can also express our gratitude to God for the blessings in our lives, and dedicate ourselves to Him, as seen in Romans 12:1-2.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the significance of the Levites being sought out for the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem?

The Levites played a crucial role in the spiritual life of the Israelites, and their presence was necessary for the dedication ceremony to be a true worship experience, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:8 and Numbers 3:6-10.

What instruments were used during the dedication ceremony?

According to Nehemiah 12:27, the instruments used were cymbals, harps, and lyres, which were commonly used in Jewish worship, as mentioned in Psalms 150:3-5.

Why was the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem a joyous occasion?

The dedication was a joyous occasion because it marked the completion of the wall, which was a significant achievement for the Israelites, and it was a time to thank God for His protection and provision, as expressed in Psalms 100:4-5.

How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Nehemiah?

This verse is part of the larger narrative of Nehemiah, which emphasizes the importance of rebuilding and restoring the city of Jerusalem, both physically and spiritually, as seen in Nehemiah 1:3 and Ezra 4:24.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can express my gratitude to God for the blessings in my life, just like the Israelites did during the dedication ceremony?
  2. How can I, like the Levites, use my gifts and talents to serve God and His people?
  3. What are some things in my life that I can dedicate to God, just like the Israelites dedicated the wall of Jerusalem?
  4. How can I cultivate a sense of joy and thanksgiving in my daily life, even in the midst of challenges and difficulties?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 12:27

And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem,.... In which many priests and Levites assisted, and seems to be the reason of the above account of them; the dedication of the wall takes in the whole

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 12:27

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:27

At the dedication of the wall; and of the gates, which are mentioned ; and of the city itself within the gates; which is here dedicated to God, and to his honour and service, not only upon a general account, by which we ought to devote ourselves, and all that is ours, to God; but upon a more special ground, because this was a place which God himself had chosen, and sanctified by his temple and gracious presence, and therefore did of right belong to him; whence it is oft called the holy city, as hath been observed before. And they restored it to God by this dedication, withal imploring the presence, and favour, and blessing of God to this city by solemn prayers, and praises, and sacrifices, wherewith this dedication was accompanied. See . Out of all their places, to which they were now retired after that great and general assembly, Ne 8 Ne 9 Ne 10.

Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:27

Nehemiah 12:27 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.Ver. 27. And at the dedication of the wall] To set down which is the main scope of this whole chapter.

Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:27

(27-43) The dedication of the wall. Henceforth Nehemiah speaks in his own person.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:27

Verse 27. At the dedication of the wall] They sent for the Levites from all quarters, that this dedication might be as solemn and majestic as possible; and it is likely that this was done as soon as convenient after the walls were finished. The dedication seems to have consisted in processions of the most eminent persons around the walls, and thanksgivings to God, who had enabled them to bring the work to so happy a conclusion: and no doubt to all this were added a particular consecration of the city to God, and the most earnest invocation that he would take it under his guardian care, and defend it and its inhabitants against all their enemies. The ancients consecrated their cities to the gods, and the very walls were considered as sacred. Ovid gives us an account of the ceremonies used in laying the foundations of the walls of the city of Rome, by Romulus. After having consulted together who should give name to the city, and have the direction of the wall by which it was necessary to surround it, they agreed to let the case be decided by the flight of birds. One brother went to the top of the Mons Palatinus, the other to that of Mount Aventine. Romulus saw twelve birds, Remus saw but six; the former, therefore, according to agreement, took the command. The poet thus describes the ceremonies used on the occasion: - Apta dies legitur, qua moenia signet aratro; Sacra Palis suberant; inde movetur opus. Fossa fit ad solidum: fruges jaciuntur in ima. Et de vicino terra petita solo. Fossa repletur humo, plenaeque imponitur ara; Et novus accenso finditur igne focus. Inde, premens stivam, designat moenia sulco; Alba jugum niveo cum bove vacca tulit. Vox tuit haec regis; Condenti Jupiter urbem, Et genitor Mavors, Vestaque mater ades: Quosque pium est adhibere deos, advertite cuncti: Auspicibus vobis hoc mihi surgat opus. Longa sit huic aetas, dominaeque potentia terrae: Sitque sub hac oriens occiduusque dies! Ille precabatur. OVID, Fast. lib. iv., ver. 819. "A proper day is chosen in which he may mark out the walls with the plough: the festival of Pales was at hand when the work was begun. A ditch is dug down to the solid clay, into which they cast the fruits of the season; and bring earth from the neighbouring ground, with which they fill up the trench; and on it build an altar, by whose flames the newly made hearth is cleft asunder. Then Romulus, seizing the plough, which a white heifer yoked with a snowy bull drew along, marked out the walls with a furrow. And thus spoke the king: 'O Jupiter, and Father Mars, with Matron Vesta, prosper me in founding this city! And all ye gods, approach, whomsoever it is right to invoke!

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 12:27

27–43. The Dedication of the WallsIn the description of this solemn event, there is a return to the use of the 1st Pers. Sing. (Nehemiah 12:31; Nehemiah 12:38; Nehemiah 12:40). The compiler returns to the Memoirs of Nehemiah, from which he makes extracts, while he no doubt exercises a full liberty of abridgement and revision.

Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 12:27

The dedication of the wall - The ceremony had been deferred for the space of nearly 12 years Nehemiah 13:6.

Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:27

27. They sought the Levites — Having been duly registered and organized for service, the Levites dwelling in the various cities of Judah outside of Jerusalem could easily be summoned to keep the dedication.

Sermons on Nehemiah 12:27

SermonDescription
Carter Conlon Praising God at the Dung Gate by Carter Conlon In this sermon, Paul, who is writing from prison, urges the believers to walk worthy of their calling. He acknowledges the difficulties and trials they have faced, emphasizing that
Carter Conlon If It Be Thou, Bid Me Come by Carter Conlon This sermon emphasizes the importance of deepening our relationship with God and running the race of faith with determination and truth. It calls for a commitment to seek God's wil
Hans R. Waldvogel If You Don’t Praise the Lord, You’re Going to Fail by Hans R. Waldvogel In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of praising the Lord. They share their personal experience of how praising God broke chains and brought liberation. The speaker als
Alan Cairns Preparation for and Possession of Revival by Alan Cairns In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the undeniable work of God that cannot be denied. He refers to the notable miracles performed by the apostles in Acts 4, which were evident
William Ray Spiritual Sacrifices by William Ray William Ray emphasizes the significance of offering spiritual sacrifices, particularly the sacrifice of praise and joy, as essential to fulfilling God's will. He illustrates this t
G. Campbell Morgan The Message of 2 Chronicles by G. Campbell Morgan G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the critical distinction between rationalism and ritualism in the life of a nation, as illustrated in 2 Chronicles. He highlights Solomon's initial gr
F.B. Meyer Then the House Was Filled With a Cloud. by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of inviting God's presence, symbolized by the Shekinah cloud, into our lives and spirits, as it represents God's desire to dwell among His pe

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