Chapter 12
1
We have in this chapter a record of little more than the names of a great many priests and Levites, that were eminent in their day among the returned Jews. It is good to know what our godly ancestors and predecessors were, that we may learn thereby what we should be.
the priests Neh 7:7; Ezra 2:1-2
Zerubbabel 1Chr 3:17-19; Ezra 3:8, Ezra 4:2, Ezra 5:2; Hag 1:1, Hag 1:12, Hag 1:14, Hag 2:2, Hag 2:21-23; Zech 4:6-10; Matt 1:12-13, Zorobabel, Salathiel
Jeshua Neh 12:10; Zech 3:1-9, Zech 6:11, Joshua
Seraiah Neh 12:12-21, Neh 10:2-8; Ezra 2:2
2
Malluch Neh 12:14, Melicu
3
Shechaniah Neh 12:14, Shebaniah
Rehum Neh 12:15, Harim
Meremoth Neh 12:15, Meraioth
4
Ginnetho Instead of Ginnetho, many manuscripts, and Vulgate have Ginnethon. Neh 12:16, Ginnethon
Abijah Luke 1:5, Abia
5
Miamin Neh 12:17, Miniamin
Maadiah The variation between Moadiah, ξεςγιδ H4153, and Maadiah, ξςγιδ H4573, merely arises from the elision of ε, wav; the LXX, however, in Neh 12:17, have Μααδαι. Neh 12:17, Moadiah
6
Joiarib Neh 11:10; 1Chr 9:10, Jehoiarib
7
Sallu The variation of ρμε H5543, Sallu, and ρμι H5543, Sallai, is simply caused by the mutation of ε, wav and ι, yood. Neh 12:20, Sallai
the chief "The chief of the priests" seem to have been the heads of the courses established by David. 1Chr 24:18
of Jeshua Neh 12:1; Ezra 3:2; Hag 1:1; Zech 3:1
8
Jeshua Neh 7:48, Neh 9:4, Neh 10:9-13
Mattaniah Neh 11:17, Neh 11:22
the thanksgiving that is, The psalms of thanksgiving, Neh 12:24; 1Chr 9:33
9
over against Ps 134:1-3
10
Jeshua Neh 12:26; 1Chr 6:3-15
Eliashib Neh 3:1, Neh 13:4, Neh 13:7, Neh 13:28
11
Jonathan Jaddua is supposed to be Jaddus the high priest, who went in his pontifical robes to meet Alexander the Great, when advancing to destroy Jerusalem; who was so struck with his appearance, that he forbore all hostilities, and granted many privileges to the Jews. According to Eusebius, he was high priest from am 3665 to 3982. Neh 12:11
12
the chief Neh 12:22; 1Chr 9:33-34, 1Chr 15:12, 1Chr 24:6-31
Seraiah Neh 12:1
14
Melicu Neh 12:2, Malluch.
Shebaniah Two manuscripts, and Vulgate in Neh 12:3, have Shebaniah; and here many manuscripts have Shechaniah. Neh 12:3, Shechaniah
15
Harim Neh 12:3, Rehum
Meraioth Neh 12:3, Meremoth
16
Iddo Neh 12:4
Ginnethon Neh 12:4, Ginnetho
17
Miniamin The LXX, and Vulgate have here Μιαμιν, Miamin. Neh 12:5, Miamin
Moadiah Neh 12:5, Maadiah
18
Shemaiah Neh 12:6
20
Sallai Neh 12:7, Sallu
22
Eliashib Neh 12:10-11
recorded Neh 12:12-13
23
the book 1Chr 9:14-44
24
Hashabiah Neh 12:8, Neh 8:7, Neh 9:4, Neh 10:9-13
according 1Chr 23:1-32, 25:1-26:32
the man Deut 33:1; Josh 14:6; 1Kgs 17:24; 2Chr 8:14; 1Tim 6:11; 2Tim 3:17
ward Neh 12:9; Ezra 3:10-11
25
Mattaniah Neh 12:8-9, Neh 11:17-19; 1Chr 9:14-17
keeping 1Chr 23:32, 1Chr 26:12; Isa 21:8
thresholds or, treasuries, or assemblies
26
Joiakim Neh 12:10
Nehemiah Neh 8:9; Ezra 7:6, Ezra 7:11
27
am 3559, bc 445
the dedication Jerusalem was the holy city, and the wall was built under the immediate superintendence and blessing of Jehovah. It was therefore proper that it should be dedicated to that God who was there worshipped by solemn praises, prayers, and sacrifices. The dedication seems to have consisted in processions of the most eminent persons around the walls, with 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 guardianship, and defend it and its inhabitants against their enemies. Deut 20:5; Ps 30:1 *title
out Neh 11:20; 1Chr 15:4, 1Chr 15:12, 1Chr 25:6, 1Chr 26:31; 2Chr 5:13, 2Chr 29:4-11, 2Chr 29:30; Ezra 8:15-20
gladness Neh 8:17; Deut 16:11; 2Sam 6:12; 2Chr 29:30; Ezra 6:16; Ps 98:4-6, Ps 100:1-2; Phil 4:4
thanksgivings 1Chr 13:8, 1Chr 15:16, 1Chr 15:28, 1Chr 16:5, 1Chr 16:42, 1Chr 23:5, 1Chr 25:1-6; 2Chr 5:13, 2Chr 7:6; Ezra 3:10-11; Ps 81:1-4, Ps 92:1-3, Ps 149:3, Ps 150:2-5; Rev 5:8
28
plain Neh 6:2
Netophathi 1Chr 2:54, 1Chr 9:16
29
the house Or, Beth-Gilgal, a village erected where the Israelites encamped after they had crossed the Jordan. Deut 11:30; Josh 5:9, Josh 10:43
Geba Neh 11:31; Josh 21:17; 1Chr 6:60
Azmaveth Ezra 2:24
30
themselves Gen 35:2; Exod 19:10, Exod 19:15; Num 19:2-20; 2Chr 29:5, 2Chr 29:34; Ezra 6:21; Job 1:5; Heb 5:1, Heb 5:3
31
the princes 1Chr 13:1, 1Chr 28:1; 2Chr 5:2
two great Neh 12:38, Neh 12:40
dung gate Neh 2:13, Neh 3:13-14
33
Azariah Neh 10:2-7
35
with trumpets Num 10:2-10; Josh 6:4; 2Chr 5:12, 2Chr 13:12
Zechariah Neh 11:17; 1Chr 6:39-43, 1Chr 25:2, 1Chr 26:10-11
36
musical instruments Neh 12:24; 1Chr 23:5; 2Chr 8:14; Amos 6:5
Ezra Ezra 7:1, Ezra 8:1
37
the fountain gate Neh 2:14, Neh 3:15-16
the stairs Jerusalem was built on very uneven ground, some hills being enclosed within the walls, there was a necessity, therefore, for steps, by which to ascend and descend; probably similar to what is seen in the city of Bristol. Neh 3:15; 2Sam 5:7-9
water gate Neh 3:26, Neh 8:1, Neh 8:3, Neh 8:16
38
other Neh 12:31
tower Neh 3:11
broad Neh 3:8
39
the gate of Ephraim Neh 8:16; 2Kgs 14:13
the old Neh 3:6
the fish gate Neh 3:3; Zeph 1:10
the tower Neh 3:1; Jer 31:38
the sheep Neh 3:32; John 5:2
the prison Neh 3:25, Neh 3:31 *Heb: Jer 32:2
40
Neh 12:31-32; Ps 42:4, Ps 47:6-9, Ps 134:1-3
41
with trumpets Neh 12:35
42
sang loud Heb. made their voice to be heard, Ps 81:1, Ps 95:1, Ps 98:4-9, Ps 100:1-2; Isa 12:5-6
overseer Neh 11:14
43
offered Num 10:10; Deut 12:11-12; 1Chr 29:21-22; 2Chr 7:5-7, 2Chr 7:10, 2Chr 29:35-36; Ps 27:6
God 2Chr 20:27; Job 34:29; Ps 28:7, Ps 30:11-12, Ps 92:4; Isa 61:3, Isa 66:10-14; Jer 33:11; John 16:22
the wives also Exod 15:20-21; 2Chr 20:13; Ps 148:11-13; Jer 31:13; Matt 21:9, Matt 21:15; Eph 5:19; Jas 5:13
the joy 1Sam 4:5; Ezra 3:13
44
some Neh 10:37-39, Neh 13:5, Neh 13:12-13; 2Chr 13:11-12, 2Chr 31:11-13
chambers 1Chr 9:26, 1Chr 26:21-26
of the law that is, appointed by the law
Judah rejoiced Heb. the joy of Judah. Levites. Num 3:10, Num 8:24-25; 1Chr 23:28; 2Chr 5:11-12; Prov 8:34; Isa 40:31; Rom 12:7
waited Heb. stood
45
the singers 1Chr. 25:1-26:32
the ward That is, they suffered no unclean person to enter the temple. 1Chr 23:28; 2Chr 23:6
46
and Asaph 1Chr 25:1-31; 2Chr 29:30; Ps 73:1 *title Ps 83:1 *title
47
Zerubbabel Neh 12:1, Neh 12:12, Neh 12:26
gave Neh 10:35-39, Neh 13:10-12; 2Chr 31:5-6; Mal 3:8-10; Gal 6:6
and they That is, the people separated, or set apart, the tenth of the produce of their lands for the use of the Levites; and the Levites separated the tenth of their tithes for the priests. Num 18:21-29
sanctified that is, set apart
1
We have in this chapter a record of little more than the names of a great many priests and Levites, that were eminent in their day among the returned Jews. It is good to know what our godly ancestors and predecessors were, that we may learn thereby what we should be.
the priests Neh 7:7; Ezra 2:1-2
Zerubbabel 1Chr 3:17-19; Ezra 3:8, Ezra 4:2, Ezra 5:2; Hag 1:1, Hag 1:12, Hag 1:14, Hag 2:2, Hag 2:21-23; Zech 4:6-10; Matt 1:12-13, Zorobabel, Salathiel
Jeshua Neh 12:10; Zech 3:1-9, Zech 6:11, Joshua
Seraiah Neh 12:12-21, Neh 10:2-8; Ezra 2:2
2
Malluch Neh 12:14, Melicu
3
Shechaniah Neh 12:14, Shebaniah
Rehum Neh 12:15, Harim
Meremoth Neh 12:15, Meraioth
4
Ginnetho Instead of Ginnetho, many manuscripts, and Vulgate have Ginnethon. Neh 12:16, Ginnethon
Abijah Luke 1:5, Abia
5
Miamin Neh 12:17, Miniamin
Maadiah The variation between Moadiah, ξεςγιδ H4153, and Maadiah, ξςγιδ H4573, merely arises from the elision of ε, wav; the LXX, however, in Neh 12:17, have Μααδαι. Neh 12:17, Moadiah
6
Joiarib Neh 11:10; 1Chr 9:10, Jehoiarib
7
Sallu The variation of ρμε H5543, Sallu, and ρμι H5543, Sallai, is simply caused by the mutation of ε, wav and ι, yood. Neh 12:20, Sallai
the chief "The chief of the priests" seem to have been the heads of the courses established by David. 1Chr 24:18
of Jeshua Neh 12:1; Ezra 3:2; Hag 1:1; Zech 3:1
8
Jeshua Neh 7:48, Neh 9:4, Neh 10:9-13
Mattaniah Neh 11:17, Neh 11:22
the thanksgiving that is, The psalms of thanksgiving, Neh 12:24; 1Chr 9:33
9
over against Ps 134:1-3
10
Jeshua Neh 12:26; 1Chr 6:3-15
Eliashib Neh 3:1, Neh 13:4, Neh 13:7, Neh 13:28
11
Jonathan Jaddua is supposed to be Jaddus the high priest, who went in his pontifical robes to meet Alexander the Great, when advancing to destroy Jerusalem; who was so struck with his appearance, that he forbore all hostilities, and granted many privileges to the Jews. According to Eusebius, he was high priest from am 3665 to 3982. Neh 12:11
12
the chief Neh 12:22; 1Chr 9:33-34, 1Chr 15:12, 1Chr 24:6-31
Seraiah Neh 12:1
14
Melicu Neh 12:2, Malluch.
Shebaniah Two manuscripts, and Vulgate in Neh 12:3, have Shebaniah; and here many manuscripts have Shechaniah. Neh 12:3, Shechaniah
15
Harim Neh 12:3, Rehum
Meraioth Neh 12:3, Meremoth
16
Iddo Neh 12:4
Ginnethon Neh 12:4, Ginnetho
17
Miniamin The LXX, and Vulgate have here Μιαμιν, Miamin. Neh 12:5, Miamin
Moadiah Neh 12:5, Maadiah
18
Shemaiah Neh 12:6
20
Sallai Neh 12:7, Sallu
22
Eliashib Neh 12:10-11
recorded Neh 12:12-13
23
the book 1Chr 9:14-44
24
Hashabiah Neh 12:8, Neh 8:7, Neh 9:4, Neh 10:9-13
according 1Chr 23:1-32, 25:1-26:32
the man Deut 33:1; Josh 14:6; 1Kgs 17:24; 2Chr 8:14; 1Tim 6:11; 2Tim 3:17
ward Neh 12:9; Ezra 3:10-11
25
Mattaniah Neh 12:8-9, Neh 11:17-19; 1Chr 9:14-17
keeping 1Chr 23:32, 1Chr 26:12; Isa 21:8
thresholds or, treasuries, or assemblies
26
Joiakim Neh 12:10
Nehemiah Neh 8:9; Ezra 7:6, Ezra 7:11
27
am 3559, bc 445
the dedication Jerusalem was the holy city, and the wall was built under the immediate superintendence and blessing of Jehovah. It was therefore proper that it should be dedicated to that God who was there worshipped by solemn praises, prayers, and sacrifices. The dedication seems to have consisted in processions of the most eminent persons around the walls, with 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 guardianship, and defend it and its inhabitants against their enemies. Deut 20:5; Ps 30:1 *title
out Neh 11:20; 1Chr 15:4, 1Chr 15:12, 1Chr 25:6, 1Chr 26:31; 2Chr 5:13, 2Chr 29:4-11, 2Chr 29:30; Ezra 8:15-20
gladness Neh 8:17; Deut 16:11; 2Sam 6:12; 2Chr 29:30; Ezra 6:16; Ps 98:4-6, Ps 100:1-2; Phil 4:4
thanksgivings 1Chr 13:8, 1Chr 15:16, 1Chr 15:28, 1Chr 16:5, 1Chr 16:42, 1Chr 23:5, 1Chr 25:1-6; 2Chr 5:13, 2Chr 7:6; Ezra 3:10-11; Ps 81:1-4, Ps 92:1-3, Ps 149:3, Ps 150:2-5; Rev 5:8
28
plain Neh 6:2
Netophathi 1Chr 2:54, 1Chr 9:16
29
the house Or, Beth-Gilgal, a village erected where the Israelites encamped after they had crossed the Jordan. Deut 11:30; Josh 5:9, Josh 10:43
Geba Neh 11:31; Josh 21:17; 1Chr 6:60
Azmaveth Ezra 2:24
30
themselves Gen 35:2; Exod 19:10, Exod 19:15; Num 19:2-20; 2Chr 29:5, 2Chr 29:34; Ezra 6:21; Job 1:5; Heb 5:1, Heb 5:3
31
the princes 1Chr 13:1, 1Chr 28:1; 2Chr 5:2
two great Neh 12:38, Neh 12:40
dung gate Neh 2:13, Neh 3:13-14
33
Azariah Neh 10:2-7
35
with trumpets Num 10:2-10; Josh 6:4; 2Chr 5:12, 2Chr 13:12
Zechariah Neh 11:17; 1Chr 6:39-43, 1Chr 25:2, 1Chr 26:10-11
36
musical instruments Neh 12:24; 1Chr 23:5; 2Chr 8:14; Amos 6:5
Ezra Ezra 7:1, Ezra 8:1
37
the fountain gate Neh 2:14, Neh 3:15-16
the stairs Jerusalem was built on very uneven ground, some hills being enclosed within the walls, there was a necessity, therefore, for steps, by which to ascend and descend; probably similar to what is seen in the city of Bristol. Neh 3:15; 2Sam 5:7-9
water gate Neh 3:26, Neh 8:1, Neh 8:3, Neh 8:16
38
other Neh 12:31
tower Neh 3:11
broad Neh 3:8
39
the gate of Ephraim Neh 8:16; 2Kgs 14:13
the old Neh 3:6
the fish gate Neh 3:3; Zeph 1:10
the tower Neh 3:1; Jer 31:38
the sheep Neh 3:32; John 5:2
the prison Neh 3:25, Neh 3:31 *Heb: Jer 32:2
40
Neh 12:31-32; Ps 42:4, Ps 47:6-9, Ps 134:1-3
41
with trumpets Neh 12:35
42
sang loud Heb. made their voice to be heard, Ps 81:1, Ps 95:1, Ps 98:4-9, Ps 100:1-2; Isa 12:5-6
overseer Neh 11:14
43
offered Num 10:10; Deut 12:11-12; 1Chr 29:21-22; 2Chr 7:5-7, 2Chr 7:10, 2Chr 29:35-36; Ps 27:6
God 2Chr 20:27; Job 34:29; Ps 28:7, Ps 30:11-12, Ps 92:4; Isa 61:3, Isa 66:10-14; Jer 33:11; John 16:22
the wives also Exod 15:20-21; 2Chr 20:13; Ps 148:11-13; Jer 31:13; Matt 21:9, Matt 21:15; Eph 5:19; Jas 5:13
the joy 1Sam 4:5; Ezra 3:13
44
some Neh 10:37-39, Neh 13:5, Neh 13:12-13; 2Chr 13:11-12, 2Chr 31:11-13
chambers 1Chr 9:26, 1Chr 26:21-26
of the law that is, appointed by the law
Judah rejoiced Heb. the joy of Judah. Levites. Num 3:10, Num 8:24-25; 1Chr 23:28; 2Chr 5:11-12; Prov 8:34; Isa 40:31; Rom 12:7
waited Heb. stood
45
the singers 1Chr. 25:1-26:32
the ward That is, they suffered no unclean person to enter the temple. 1Chr 23:28; 2Chr 23:6
46
and Asaph 1Chr 25:1-31; 2Chr 29:30; Ps 73:1 *title Ps 83:1 *title
47
Zerubbabel Neh 12:1, Neh 12:12, Neh 12:26
gave Neh 10:35-39, Neh 13:10-12; 2Chr 31:5-6; Mal 3:8-10; Gal 6:6
and they That is, the people separated, or set apart, the tenth of the produce of their lands for the use of the Levites; and the Levites separated the tenth of their tithes for the priests. Num 18:21-29
sanctified that is, set apart