Nehemiah 12 – Faithful stewardship

Nehemiah 12:1-26 meticulously lists the priests and Levites. The passage mentions the names of those who returned with Zerubbabel and Jeshua in verses 1-9. Verses 1-7 detail the 22 chief priests, while verses 8-9 name the eight chief Levites and their duties.

Verses 10-11 provide the lineage of six generations of Levites descended from Jeshua. Verses 12-21 list twenty-one heads of the priestly families during the time of the high priest Joiakim. Verses 22-26 contain records of the ordinary temple servants, with some records extending beyond the time of Nehemiah.

In Nehemiah 10, we learned about the reading of the law and the people’s dedication to the covenant. Nehemiah 12:27 picks up from where Nehemiah 10:39 ends. After reading the law, there is a joyful celebration of the Festival of Tabernacles, and the people reaffirm their commitment to the covenant. Subsequently, the wall is dedicated, with active involvement from priests, Levites, singers, musicians, and prominent citizens.

When the people gathered at a specific location next to the wall, they split into two groups. They walked in opposite directions around the wall. Ezra led one group, as described in verses 31-37, while Nehemiah led the other group, as described in verses 38-39. The two groups eventually convened at the temple, where they came together to make offerings, praise God, and celebrate with great joy, showcasing their unity and shared happiness.

In Nehemiah 12:4-47, we learn about the appointment of officials responsible for overseeing the collection and distribution of funds and supplies brought to the temple by the people. It was a practice for all Israelites to contribute one-tenth of their income, which was then allocated among the Levites. The Levites, who supported the priests and were involved in providing musical, singing, and other services in the temple, also gave one-tenth of their income to support the priests.

This chapter teaches us three key lessons concerning wise stewardship, faithful support for ministry, and generous giving. We must be faithful stewards to support the work of God and His kingdom. We must be willing to support those who have given their lives to serve God. Here, we see the practice of tithing, leaving us with a call to be faithful in our giving to the work of God.