Passage
Nehemiah 12:1-47 (ESV)
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Acts 8:26-40
Key Verse: 8:35
A Joyful Wall Dedication
Date: Nov. 17, 2014
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 12:43
First, bring joyful musicians (1-30). Verses 1-26 record the priests and Levites from the time of Zerubbabel (535 B.C.) to Nehemiah (444 B.C.), to show how God sustained the priestly service. The wall was now complete and it was time to thank and praise God. The Levites were brought in to celebrate with thanksgiving songs. But first the priests and Levites purified themselves and the people in a ceremony.
Second, God gave them great joy (31-47). Nehemiah had Judah's leaders go up on the wall. Two choirs gave thanks going in opposite directions around the wall, then took their places in the house of God. They offered great sacrifices with rejoicing that could be heard far away, for God had given them great joy. This inspirational music with songs of praise and thanksgiving to God were inspired by David the man of God.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for times of singing and dancing with great joy that you give. Put joyful songs of praises in our hearts.
One Word: God gave them great joy
