Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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Nehemiah
Book: Nehemiah
Chapter: 12
Overview:
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.