Nehemiah 12:46
For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there were directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.
For long ago
This phrase sets the historical context, reaching back to a revered time in Israel's history. The Hebrew root here suggests a distant past, emphasizing continuity and tradition. It reminds us of the enduring nature of worship practices and the importance of historical foundations in faith. The phrase calls believers to respect and learn from the past, recognizing that the roots of worship are deeply embedded in the history of God's people.

in the days of David and Asaph
David, the beloved king, and Asaph, a prominent Levite musician, are central figures in the establishment of worship in Israel. David is known for his heart for God and his role in organizing temple worship, while Asaph is credited with several Psalms. This phrase highlights the collaboration between leadership and worship, underscoring the importance of godly leadership in guiding spiritual practices. It also points to the rich heritage of music and poetry in expressing devotion to God.

there were directors for the musicians
The role of directors indicates an organized and intentional approach to worship. The Hebrew term suggests oversight and guidance, ensuring that worship is conducted with excellence and order. This reflects the value placed on music as a vital component of worship, requiring skilled leadership. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preparation and dedication in leading others in worship, ensuring that it is both beautiful and honoring to God.

and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God
Praise and thanksgiving are central themes in biblical worship, reflecting a heart posture of gratitude and reverence. The Hebrew words for praise and thanksgiving convey a sense of celebration and acknowledgment of God's goodness and faithfulness. This phrase emphasizes the purpose of music in worship: to glorify God and express heartfelt gratitude. It encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness, recognizing that worship is not just a ritual but a sincere offering of praise to the Creator.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The second king of Israel, known for his heart for worship and establishing many of the musical traditions in Israel, including the organization of temple musicians.

2. Asaph
A prominent Levite singer and seer in David's time, credited with several Psalms. He played a significant role in the musical worship of Israel.

3. Directors for the Singers
These were appointed leaders responsible for organizing and leading the musical worship in the temple, ensuring that praise and thanksgiving were offered to God.

4. Songs of Praise and Thanksgiving
These were integral parts of worship in Israel, reflecting the community's gratitude and reverence towards God.

5. Temple Worship
The organized system of worship in the temple, which included music, sacrifices, and various forms of praise, was central to Israel's religious life.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Organized Worship
Just as in the days of David and Asaph, organized worship helps maintain a focus on God and ensures that praise and thanksgiving are central to our community life.

Role of Music in Worship
Music is a powerful tool for expressing our gratitude and reverence to God. It unites believers and elevates the worship experience.

Leadership in Worship
The appointment of directors for singers underscores the importance of leadership in worship settings. Effective leaders can inspire and guide the congregation in meaningful worship.

Historical Continuity of Worship Practices
The practices established by David and Asaph show a continuity in worship that extends into the New Testament and beyond, emphasizing the timeless nature of praising God.

Personal Application of Praise and Thanksgiving
As individuals, we are called to incorporate praise and thanksgiving into our daily lives, recognizing God's goodness and faithfulness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the organization of worship in Nehemiah 12:46 reflect the priorities of the Israelite community, and how can we apply these priorities in our church today?

2. In what ways can music enhance our personal and corporate worship experiences, and how can we ensure it remains focused on God?

3. What qualities should we look for in leaders of worship, and how can we support them in their roles?

4. How does the continuity of worship practices from the Old Testament to the New Testament encourage us in our faith journey?

5. Reflect on a time when music or organized worship significantly impacted your spiritual life. How can you incorporate more praise and thanksgiving into your daily routine?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 25
This chapter details the organization of the temple musicians under David, highlighting the roles of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun in leading worship.

Psalm 150
This psalm emphasizes the importance of music in worship, encouraging the use of various instruments to praise God.

Colossians 3:16
This New Testament verse encourages believers to let the word of Christ dwell in them richly, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
Joy of JerusalemR.A. Redford Nehemiah 12:1-47
Ministers of the LordW. Clarkson. Nehemiah 12:1-26, 44-47
Thanks-Giving and Thanks-LivingMatthew Henry.Nehemiah 12:45-47
The Good Old TimesHomiletic CommentaryNehemiah 12:45-47
People
Aaron, Abijah, Adna, Akkub, Amariah, Amok, Asaph, Azarael, Azareel, Azariah, Azmaveth, Bakbukiah, Benjamin, Bilgah, Binnui, Darius, David, Eber, Elam, Eleazar, Eliakim, Eliashib, Elioenai, Ezer, Ezra, Gilalai, Ginnetho, Ginnethon, Hanani, Hananiah, Harim, Hashabiah, Hattush, Helkai, Hilkiah, Hoshaiah, Iddo, Jaddua, Jedaiah, Jehohanan, Jehonathan, Jeremiah, Jeshua, Jezrahiah, Johanan, Joiada, Joiakim, Joiarib, Jonathan, Joseph, Jozadak, Kadmiel, Kallai, Levi, Levites, Maadiah, Maai, Maaseiah, Malchijah, Malluch, Mattaniah, Mattenai, Melicu, Meraiah, Meraioth, Meremoth, Meshullam, Miamin, Micaiah, Michaiah, Mijamin, Milalai, Miniamin, Moadiah, Nehemiah, Nethaneel, Netophathites, Obadiah, Piltai, Rehum, Sallai, Sallu, Seraiah, Shammua, Shealtiel, Shebaniah, Shecaniah, Shechaniah, Shemaiah, Sherebiah, Solomon, Talmon, Unni, Uzzi, Zaccur, Zechariah, Zerubbabel, Zichri
Places
Azmaveth, Beth-gilgal, Broad Wall, Dung Gate, Fish Gate, Fountain Gate, Gate of Ephraim, Gate of the Guard, Gate of Yeshanah, Geba, Jerusalem, Lod, Sheep Gate, Tower of Hananel, Tower of the Hundred, Tower of the Ovens, Water Gate
Topics
Ancient, Asaph, Blessing, Chief, Chiefs, David, Directors, Heads, Hymns, Leaders, Master, Music, Past, Praise, Singers, Song, Songs, Thanksgiving, Thanksgivings
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 12:46

     7960   singing
     7963   song
     8666   praise, manner and methods
     8676   thanksgiving

Nehemiah 12:44-47

     4442   firstfruits

Library
The Joy of the Lord, the Strength of his People
LAST Sabbath day in the morning I spoke of the birth of our Saviour as being full of joy to the people of God, and, indeed, to all nations. We then looked at the joy from a distance; we will now in contemplation draw nearer to it, and perhaps as we consider it, and remark the multiplied reasons for its existence, some of those reasons may operate upon our own hearts, and we may go out of this house of prayer ourselves partakers of the exceeding great joy. We shall count it to have been a successful
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
The beginning of the circumference was from 'the sheep-gate.' That, we suppose, was seated on the south part, yet but little removed from that corner, which looks south-east. Within was the pool of Bethesda, famous for healings. Going forward, on the south part, was the tower Meah: and beyond that, "the tower of Hananeel": in the Chaldee paraphrast it is, 'The tower Piccus,' Zechariah 14:10; Piccus, Jeremiah 31:38.--I should suspect that to be, the Hippic tower, were not that placed on the north
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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