Nehemiah 12:1 "Now these are the priests and the Levites that went up with Zerubbabel ..."

These verses provide more than just a checklist by which succeeding priests proved their right to serve, through their lineage. They indicate how highly ministers of the Lord are valued. The contents of these verses may be divided as:

	Levitical and priestly families that returned with Zerubbabel (Nehemiah 12:1-9 ).
	High priests from Jeshua to Jaddua (Nehemiah 12:10,11 ).
	Heads of the priestly courses, in the time of the high priest, Joiakim (Nehemiah 12:12-21 ).

Possibly a later insertion as Darius is mentioned as contemporary king (Nehemiah 12:22-23 ), at least a century later than Nehemiah's reforms. One of the reasons for the insertion was possibly to show that the practice of accurately recording the heads of the priestly and Levitical courses, which Nehemiah has noted as belonging to the days of Joiakim, was continued under his successors. The New Bible Commentary Revised - Inter-Varsity Press

The Wycliffe Bible Commentary gives reasons against the idea of these verses being a later insertion. Chief Levitical families of Joiakim times and later (Nehemiah 12:24-26 ).

Profitable lessons which these lists suggest:-

We read of those who were high priests and priests, of those who had a ministry in assisting them, of singers and musicians, doorkeepers and guards, and workers of the treasury. Even ordinary employment and business can and should be done as to the Lord. Everything we do should have the stamp of "holiness unto the Lord." (Zechariah 14:20 KJV).

There is a place for the ordered rendering of praise, and in New Testament worship, singing in the Spirit and in the understanding (1 Corinthians 14:15 ). It is an offering by faith, of sacrifices to the Lord. (Hebrews 13:15 ).

Singing in the supernatural releases miraculous aid in times of business dilemma.

Standing at a door, being a watchman, and carrying out repetitive tasks, all become important and more meaningful to the worker when working with the knowledge that, "I am appointed by the King, what I do is personally for Him, my worship is extended to my practical service."

It can be very motivating to our service, to keep before us that service here is preparation for service there, when we shall be forever with the Lord and serve Him. (1 Thessalonians 4:17; Revelation 7:15 ).

Malachi 3:16 "... a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, ..."

The Lord remembers faithfulness to Him, and rewards faithfully (Matthew 25:23 ).

The contribution such make to a community and city is of great worth, and should fill the hearts of those in business with thankfulness to God, and appreciation for them. Diligently assist them.

As far as we know, this was the first time a wall in Israel was dedicated. It had been the practice to dedicate houses (Deuteronomy 20:5 ). This great day was anticipated by the priest who had consecrated the portion of the wall they had repaired (Nehemiah 3:1 ).

Nehemiah was a practical man who knew where true security lies. In this act of consecration, he was witnessing to the fact that no walls, no matter how strong, high, wide, deep, or reinforced, can provide ultimate protection from enemies, without the power and protection of God Himself. David worshipped God as his loving protector (Psalm 46:1,2 ):

Psalm 144:2 "My lovingkindness and my fortress, My high tower and my deliverer, My shield and the One in whom I take refuge, Who subdues my people under me."

Our ultimate trust needs to be in God, and not in our business ability, possessions or material assets. Faith in His loving protection and provision is never misplaced.

	Dedication preparations (Nehemiah 12:27-29 )
	Desired purification (Nehemiah 12:30 )
	Delighting processions (Nehemiah 12:31-42 )
	Devotional participation (Nehemiah 12:43 )
	Declared personal (Nehemiah 12:44-47 )

When we enjoy success, God should be given thanksgiving and praise. No matter how personally talented we and the team around us may be, we achieve only with the Lord's support and blessing. It is the Lord who gives favour with people, brings to pass favourable times, and provides those who assist us.

In a Christian business, everyone in the company should be involved in thanksgiving for the Lord's blessings that benefit all. What the Lord has given should be devoted to His service. His kingdom sons can render acceptable service owing to the fact that they have been cleansed (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Timothy 2:8; Hebrews 10:22 ).

It should be a joy to provide practical assistance for called and anointed ministries.

Nehemiah 12:44 "... Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who ministered."

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Should those occupied in business have a high regard for those employed as ministers of the Lord? (Nehemiah 12:1-26 ).
2. Do you believe that praise and thanksgiving should be given priority? (Nehemiah 12:24 ).