The singers had built them villages, &c. That they might be near at hand for the service of God and of his house. The priests and the Levites purified themselves By sprinkling the water of purification upon them, by which the tabernacle and sacred utensils were purified; (Numbers 8:7;) by solemn prayers and sacrifices; and especially by keeping themselves from all impurity. And purified the people By sprinkling, it is probable, the same water upon them, and by prayers and sacrifices.
Related Commentaries of Nehemiah 12:29
Nehemiah 12:29-30
29 Also from the house of Gilgal, and out of the fields of Geba and Azmaveth: for the singers had builded them villages round about Jerusalem.
30 And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, and the gates, and the wall.