More About the Priests - Nehemiah 12:41

In the book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah said, “at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward. And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them, and I after them, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall. And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate. So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the house of God, and I, and the half of the rulers with me”, and in chapter twelve and verse forty-one of Nehemiah, Nehemiah shared more about, “the priests” where we read,

And the priests; Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Michaiah, 

Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets;

The verse reads, “And the priests; Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Michaiah, ...” Nehemiah began with the words, “and the priests” which means “and the spiritual leaders and spokesmen”; “Eliakim” or “God raises or God sets up”, “Maaseiah” whose name means “work of Jehovah who was a descendant of Jeshua who had taken a foreign wife in the time of Ezra”, “Miniamin” or “from the right hand”, “Michaiah” whose name means “who is like God”. Nehemiah shared how “Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin and Michaiah” were some of the priests who were with him.

The verse goes on to say, “... Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets;” Nehemiah continued with the word, “Elioenai” or Elihoenai whose name means “unto Jehovah are my eyes who also had a foreign wife”, “Zechariah” which means “Jehovah remembers”, “and Hananiah” or “God has favored”, “with trumpets” which means “accompanied by clarions or trumpet instruments”. Nehemiah included the names of the spiritual leaders, “Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah” who were “clarion or trumpet” players. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Nehemiah how the above mentioned spiritual leaders were among the ones who gave praise and thanksgiving to Jehovah God. Each of them were important to mention, and when we think about them, we can imagine ourselves being in their positions of honor. God wants all of us to give Him praise and thanksgiving because He provided salvation to mankind from their sins through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of the world. He raised Him from the dead after three days, and when we yield our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put within us a desire to honor Him in worship, praise and song for all eternity. 

Next time Nehemiah shares more of the names of the ministers, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance". 

Two Companies Who Gave Thanks - Nehemiah 12:40

In the book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah said, “at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward. And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them, and I after them, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall. And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate”, and in chapter twelve and verse forty of Nehemiah, Nehemiah shared about, “the two companies of them that gave thanks” where we read,

So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the house of God,

and I, and the half of the rulers with me:

The verse reads, “So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the house of God, ...” Nehemiah began with the words, “so stood the two companies” which means “in that place endured and remained still the two groups or assemblies” “of them that gave thanks” or “ of the priests and musicians who granted, bestowed and assigned praise and thanksgiving” “in the house of God” whose name means “within the habitation, abode and dwelling place belonging to the Supreme Deity”. Nehemiah referred to the two groups of the priests and men with musical instruments who bestowed praise and thanksgiving within the dwelling place of the Supreme Deity Jehovah. 

The verse continues, “... and I, and the half of the rulers with me:” Nehemiah added the words, “and I” or “and I, Nehemiah”, “and the half of the rulers” which means “and one-half of the leaders, prefects, governors and officials” “with me” or “alongside and accompanying me, Nehemiah”. Nehemiah shared about himself and one-half of the leaders and officials who accompanied him.

When we think through the words in this verse, we see how Nehemiah referred to the two groups of priests, himself and one-half of the officials alongside him. This extensive group of people were to give praise and thanksgiving to God for His provision of the wall. God brought the people of Israel back into their homeland. He gave the ability to rebuild their temple and to reestablish their barrier wall. These acts were worthy of giving honor, praise and thanksgiving to God. God loves the people of Israel, and He loves us as well. He proved His love by sending His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and He raised Him from the dead three days later so when we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth with all glory and honor being unto Him. 

Next time Nehemiah shares more about, “the priests”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

From Above the Gate of Ephraim - Nehemiah 12:39

In the book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah said, “at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward. And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them, and I after them, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall”, and in chapter twelve and verse thirty-nine of Nehemiah, Nehemiah shared about, “from above the gate of Ephraim” where we read,

And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.

The verse reads, “And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, ...” Nehemiah began with the words, “and from above the gate” which means “and separate and apart from the entrance or portal” “of Ephraim” or “ belonging to Ephraim whose name means double ash-heap or I shall be doubly fruitful”, “and above the old gate” whose name means “and overseeing the entrance and portal known as the old gate”, “and above the fish gate” or “and overseeing the entrance and portal known as the fish gate”, “and the tower of Hananeel” which means “and the elevated stage or pulpit belonging to Hananeel whose name means God has favored”. Nehemiah shared referred to the entrance of the barrier wall which pertained to “Ephraim” and was overseeing the entrance known as “old”, and the entrance known as “fish” and the elevated stage belonging to “Hananeel”.

The verse goes on to say, “... and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.” Nehemiah continued with the words, “and the tower of Meah” or “and the elevated stage or pulpit belonging to Meah whose name means hundred and was a tower on the north rampart of Jerusalem in the wall of Nehemiah”, “even unto the sheep gate” which means “until the entrance and portal known as the sheep gate”: “and they stood still” or “and they, the people upon the wall, remained, endured and took a stand” “in the prison gate” which means “within the entrance and portal known as the guard, target, mark or prison gate”. Nehemiah shared how the people also aligned themselves toward the elevated stage belonging to “Meah” and continued to the entrance of the “sheep” while they remained and aligned themselves at the entrance known as the “prison gate”.

When we meditate upon Nehemiah's words in this verse, we discover more of the coverage upon the barrier wall which was carried out by the people of Israel when they dedicated the wall. From the entrance of “Ephraim” to the “Old City Gate” which was past the “fish gate” and the elevated stage belonging to “Hananeel” to the elevated pulpit which was known as the “hundred tower”, and they continued to the entrance known as the “sheep gate” and stood still and remained at the “prison” or “guard gate”. God was assembling this massive group of people through Nehemiah to allow them to give Him honor and praise not only for the construction of the barrier wall and their return to Jerusalem and Judah, but also toward Jehovah God who is worthy of praise and thanksgiving for everything He has done. God gave His Only Begotten Son Jesus to the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when He raised Him from the dead three days later, He made the way for us to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and given His Holy Spirit to guide us by simply believing and trusting in Him as our “Savior and Lord”. Let all who read these words yield to Jesus and receive God's gift of salvation which shall allow us to give Him praise for all eternity. 

Next time Nehemiah shares about, “the two companies of them that gave thanks”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Other Company Who Gave Thanks - Nehemiah 12:38

In the book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah said, “at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward”, and in chapter twelve and verse thirty-eight of Nehemiah, Nehemiah shared about, “the other company of them that gave thanks” where we read,

And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them, and I after them, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall;

The verse reads, “And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them, and I after them, ...”Nehemiah began with the words, “and the other company of them” which means “and the second choir pertaining to the men who were as follows” “that gave thanks” or “who bestowed and granted praise and thanksgiving” “went over against them” whose name means “proceeded, departed and moved in the opposition of the one, northward”, “and I after them” or “and I, Nehemiah, followed the second choir”. Nehemiah shared how the other choir group went in a northern direction that was opposite the first group, and he followed that group.

The verse continues, “... and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall;” Nehemiah added the words, “and the half of the people” or “and one-half of the human beings” “upon the wall” which means “were stationed on the barrier wall”, “from beyond the tower” or “separate and apart from the distance of the elevated stage or pulpit” “of the furnaces” which means “belonging to the ovens, fire-pots or stoves” “even unto the broad wall” or “until the wide barrier wall”. Nehemiah shared how the other one-half of the human beings statioined on the barrier wall were situated at a distance from the elevated stage or pulpit until they reached the wide barrier wall. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we discover through Nehemiah how the second choir who participated in giving thanksgiving at the dedication of the barrier wall went in the opposite direction of the first group, and one-half of the “people” on the “wall” went from the distance of the elevated stage or pulpit of the ovens until they reached the “wide” wall. In other words, these ministers were spread across the wall in great companies, and they were ready to perform their part in the celebration. God wants people from all over the world to be a part of His Kingdom, and when we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and rose from the dead three days afterward, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put within us a desire to be involved in His eternal Kingdom where we shall serve and give thanksgiving to Him forever. 

Next time Nehemiah shares about, “from above the gate of Ephraim”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

At the Fountain Gate - Nehemiah 12:37

In the book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah said, “I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and appointed two great companies of them that gave thanks, whereof one went on the right hand upon the wall toward the dung gate, and after them went Hoshaiah, and half of the princes of Judah, and Azariah, Ezra, and Meshullam, Judah, and Benjamin, and Shemaiah, and Jeremiah, and certain of the priests' sons with trumpets; namely, Zechariah the son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Michaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph, and his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them”, and in chapter twelve and verse thirty-seven of Nehemiah, Nehemiah shared what happened “at the fountain gate” where we read,

And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward.

The verse reads, “And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, ...” Nehemiah began with the words, “and at the fountain gate” which means “and at the portal and entrance named for a spring or fountain as the eye of the landscape”, “which was over against them” or “that was conspicuous, in front, straight and in sight of the men with the instruments”, “they went up by the stairs” whose name means “they, the men with the instruments, ascended through the means of the rising steps” “of the city of David” or “pertaining to the guarded place of waking and town belonging to David whose name means beloved and was the son of Jesse and the second king of Israel”. Nehemiah shared how the men with the musical instruments went toward the “fountain” entrance opposite of the others on the wall and ascended the steps within “David's” guarded town which was Jerusalem. 

The verse goes on to say, “... at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward.” Nehemiah continued with the words, “at the going up” or “at the rising and incline” “of the wall” which means “belonging to the barrier wall”, “above the house of David” or “overseeing the habitation, abode and dwelling place belonging to David whose name means beloved and was the son of Jesse and the second king of Israel”, “even unto the water gate eastward” which means “as far and until it reached the entrance and portal known as the “east direction gate”. Nehemiah shared how the men with the instruments also ascended the barrier wall which was overseeing the dwelling place of “David” and continued toward the entrance known as the “eastern gate”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Nehemiah that there was a procession of the people who played instruments that were going to be part of the dedication of the barrier wall to Jerusalem. They went up the steps at the “Fountain Gate” toward the “city of David”, and they passed “David's” dwelling place and proceeded to the entrance known as the “Water Gate” which was in an eastward direction. All of these people were involved even as Nehemiah and Ezra directed them, and they were obedient to the worshiping and honoring of Jehovah God for bringing them back into their homeland. God wants all of us to be in His Kingdom, and when we believe and trust in His Son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead three days later as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and lead us by His Holy Spirit as to how we are to be involved in service to Him. 

Next time Nehemiah shares about, “the other company of them that gave thanks”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Asaph's Brethren - Nehemiah 12:36

In the book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah said, “I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and appointed two great companies of them that gave thanks, whereof one went on the right hand upon the wall toward the dung gate, and after them went Hoshaiah, and half of the princes of Judah, and Azariah, Ezra, and Meshullam, Judah, and Benjamin, and Shemaiah, and Jeremiah, and certain of the priests' sons with trumpets; namely, Zechariah the son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Michaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph”, and in chapter twelve and verse thirty-six of Nehemiah, Nehemiah shared about Asaph's, “brethren” where we read,

And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, 

with the musical instruments of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.

The verse reads, “And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, ...”Nehemiah began with the words, “and his brethren” which means “and his, Asaph's, fellow kindred, kinsmen and relatives”, “Shemaiah” or “heard by Jehovah”, “and Azarael” whose name means “God has helped”, “Milalai” or “eloquent”, “Gilalai” whose name means “weighty”, “Maai” or “compassionate”, “Nethaneel” whose name means “given of God”, “and Judah” or “praised”, “Hanani” whose name means “gracious”. Nehemiah shared how “Asaph's” fellow kinsmen and relatives whose names mean, “heard by Jehovah, God has helped, eloquent, weighty, compassionate, given of God, praised and gracious” were involved in the dedication of the barrier wall. 

The verse continues, “... with the musical instruments of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.” Nehemiah added the words, “with the musical instruments” or “accompanied by the articles, vessels, implements and utensils used in making music” “of David” which means “belonging to David whose name means beloved and was the youngest son of Jesse and the second king of Israel” “the man of God” or “the male human being belonging to the Supreme Deity”, “and Ezra” whose name means “help and was the priest and scribe who led the reforms of the returned exiles in Jerusalem and a co-worker with Nehemiah” “the scribe before them” or “the recorder or accountant in front and in the presence of them, the men with musical instruments”. Nehemiah shared how the men were accompanied by the “musical instruments” that belonged to “David”, and “Ezra” the priest and scribe was in front of them. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Nehemiah how he mentioned eight fellow kinsmen of “Asaph” who were a part of the dedication of the barrier wall to Jerusalem. The male offspring of “Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah and Hanani” were accompanied by musical instruments which belonged to “King David” to be used in the celebration. “Ezra” the priest and recorder was in front of them, and we can imagine the pageantry and festivities that were employed for this event. God loves the people of Israel, and when He restored them to their homeland and they rebuilt their temple and barrier wall. They wanted to dedicate the wall and honor God for the structure. God wants to rebuild our lives as well, and when we yield ourselves to His Son Jesus who died on the cross and rose from the dead after three days as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to rebuild and guide us into the service we are to carry out in His Kingdom.

Next time Nehemiah shares what happened, “at the fountain gate”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".