And at the dedication of the wall— Dedication was a religious ceremony, whereby a temple, altar, or vessel thereunto belonging, was, by the pronunciation of a certain form of blessing, consecrated to the service of God; and this dedication extended not only to things sacred, but to cities and their walls, and sometimes to private houses, Deuteronomy 20:5. As, therefore, Moses in the wilderness dedicated the tabernacle, and Solomon the temple, when he had finished it; so Nehemiah, having put things in good order, having built the walls, and set up the gates, thought proper to dedicate the city as a place which God himself had chosen and sanctified by his favour and gracious presence, and by this dedication to restore it to him again, after it had lain waste and been profaned by the heathen.
REFLECTIONS.—1st, The wall being finished, and the gates set up, notwithstanding all the malice of their foes, we have the solemn dedication of the whole to God. Sensible that their security was not walls and bulwarks, but the favour of the Lord of hosts, they would commend all to his protection, and devote to his glory the work of their hands; while with grateful thanksgivings they acknowledge the support that he had afforded in the conclusion of the work, undertaken in humble dependance on his blessing. For this purpose,
1. The Levites from the country were summoned to attend; and, with their brethren the priests, having purified themselves by the necessary ablutions, or sprinkling the water of purification, Numbers 8:6-21 they purified the people, the walls, and gates; probably with the same ceremony, as typical of that blood of sprinkling which purges our consciences from dead works, and, having cleansed our souls from sin, restores us to the holy use and enjoyment of all God's creatures.
2. They made a solemn procession in two companies; who, separating, surrounded the whole city, and met at the temple, singing and praising God as they went, with instruments of music.
3. They there offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced before God; all the people, even the women and children, uniting their voices in loud shouts of praise; so that the sound was heard afar off. Note; (1.) The mouths of babes and sucklings should be taught to lisp God's praises; for this is the sweetest music in his ears. (2.) They who have received great mercies from God are bound to rejoice before him with great joy; to his glory, as well as their own comfort.
2nd, The good effects of this holy joy appear in the gracious dispositions here mentioned. The priests and Levites, in their several functions, with diligence and zeal discharged their ministrations: the people appeared highly satisfied in them, and blessed God for them; and, as a fresh testimony of their respect, especial care was taken for their liberal maintenance. Note; When ministers labour in the word and doctrine, they will be cheerfully and liberally supported; but no wonder if men grudge that idlers should fatten on the spoil of flocks that they never fed.