Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Nehemiah Ch.12 / 13 Ch.s
NE:12
* The priests and Levites that returned. (1-26) The dedication
of the wall. (27-43) The officers of the temple settled. (44-47)
#1-26 It is a debt we owe to faithful ministers, to remember our
guides, who have spoken to us the word of God. It is good to
know what our godly predecessors were, that we may learn what we
should be.
#27-43 All our cities, all our houses, must have holiness to the
Lord written upon them. The believer should undertake nothing
which he does not dedicate to the Lord. We are concerned to
cleanse our hands, and purify our hearts, when any work for God
is to pass through them. Those that would be employed to
sanctify others, must sanctify themselves, and set themselves
apart for God. To those who are sanctified, all their
creature-comforts and enjoyments are made holy. The people
greatly rejoiced. All that share in public mercies, ought to
join in public thanksgivings.
#44-47 When the solemnities of a thanksgiving day leave such
impressions on ministers and people, that both are more careful
and cheerful in doing their duty, they are indeed acceptable to
the Lord, and turn to good account. And whatever we do, must be
purified by the blood of sprinkling, and by the grace of the
Holy Spirit, or it cannot be acceptable to God.