Nehemiah 12

This chapter provides detailed genealogies of the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel and later with Nehemiah. This record confirms the legitimate clergy of the second Temple period. The central event is the grand dedication of the wall of Jerusalem. Nehemiah organizes two large choirs of people, who walk in opposite directions on top of the newly built wall, meeting at the Temple, singing songs of thanksgiving and rejoicing. The music and joy are so loud they are heard far away, marking a major national achievement.