Nehemiah 12:36
New International Version
and his associates—Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah and Hanani—with musical instruments prescribed by David the man of God. Ezra the teacher of the Law led the procession.

New Living Translation
And Zechariah’s colleagues were Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani. They used the musical instruments prescribed by David, the man of God. Ezra the scribe led this procession.

English Standard Version
and his relatives, Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God. And Ezra the scribe went before them.

Berean Standard Bible
and his associates—Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani—with the musical instruments prescribed by David the man of God. Ezra the scribe led the procession.

King James Bible
And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.

New King James Version
and his brethren, Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God. And Ezra the scribe went before them.

New American Standard Bible
and his kinsmen, Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God. And Ezra the scribe went before them.

NASB 1995
and his kinsmen, Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God. And Ezra the scribe went before them.

NASB 1977
and his kinsmen, Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God. And Ezra the scribe went before them.

Legacy Standard Bible
and his relatives, Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God. And Ezra the scribe went before them.

Amplified Bible
and his brothers, Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God. And Ezra the scribe went in front of them.

Christian Standard Bible
as well as his relatives—Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David, the man of God. Ezra the scribe went in front of them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
as well as his relatives—Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David, the man of God. Ezra the scribe went in front of them.

American Standard Version
and his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God; and Ezra the scribe was before them.

Contemporary English Version
and his relatives, Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani. They played musical instruments like those that had been played by David, the man of God. And they marched behind Ezra, the teacher of the Law.

English Revised Version
and his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God; and Ezra the scribe was before them:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Also, these relatives of Zechariah followed: Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani with the musical instruments of David, the man of God. Ezra the scribe led them.

Good News Translation
He was followed by other members of his clan--Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani--all of whom carried musical instruments of the kind played by King David, the man of God. Ezra the scholar led this group in the procession.

International Standard Version
with his associates Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani, accompanied by the musical instruments of David, the man of God. Ezra the scribe led the procession.

Majority Standard Bible
and his associates?Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani?with the musical instruments prescribed by David the man of God. Ezra the scribe led the procession.

NET Bible
and his colleagues--Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani--with musical instruments of David the man of God. (Ezra the scribe led them.)

New Heart English Bible
and his brothers, Shemaiah, and Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God; and Ezra the scribe was before them.

Webster's Bible Translation
And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.

World English Bible
and his brothers, Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God; and Ezra the scribe was before them.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and his brothers Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with instruments of song of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe [is] before them;

Young's Literal Translation
and his brethren Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with instruments of song of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe is before them;

Smith's Literal Translation
And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nathaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with instruments of song of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And his brethren Semeia, and Azareel Malalai, Galalai, Maai, Nathanael, and Judas, and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God: and Esdras the scribe before them at the fountain gate.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And his brothers, Shemaiah, and Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, and Judah, and Hanani, went forth with the canticles of David, the man of God. And Ezra, the scribe, was before them at the fountain gate.

New American Bible
and his kinsmen Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David, the man of God. Ezra the scribe was at their head.

New Revised Standard Version
and his kindred, Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God; and the scribe Ezra went in front of them.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And his brethren, Shemaiah, Azrael, Melal, Gelal, Ater, Nathanael, Hanani, and Judah, with the musical instruments of David the prophet and servant of the LORD and Ezra the scribe went before them, above the fountain gate.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And his brothers, Shemaiah and Azrayel, Melal, Galal, Ataz, Nathaniel, Khanani, Yehuda with the instruments of praise of David the Prophet, Servant of LORD JEHOVAH, and Azra the Scribe before them, above the Gate of the Eye.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God; and Ezra the scribe was before them;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and his brethren, Samaia, and Oziel, Gelol, Jama, Aia, Nathanael, and Juda, Anani, to praise with the hymns of David the man of God; and Esdras the scribe was before them,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Dedication of the Wall
35and some of the priests with trumpets, and also Zechariah son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph, 36and his associates— Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani— with the musical instruments prescribed by David the man of God. Ezra the scribe led the procession. 37At the Fountain Gate they climbed the steps of the City of David on the ascent to the wall and passed above the house of David to the Water Gate on the east.…

Cross References
1 Chronicles 15:16-24
David also told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their relatives as singers to lift up their voices with joy, accompanied by musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals. / So the Levites appointed Heman son of Joel; from his brothers, Asaph son of Berechiah; from their brothers the Merarites, Ethan son of Kushaiah; / and with them their brothers next in rank: Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, and the gatekeepers Obed-edom and Jeiel. ...

1 Chronicles 25:1-7
Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service: / From the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asarelah. These sons of Asaph were under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied under the direction of the king. / From the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six in all—under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp, giving thanks and praise to the LORD. ...

2 Chronicles 29:25-30
Hezekiah stationed the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres according to the command of David, of Gad the king’s seer, and of Nathan the prophet. For the command had come from the LORD through His prophets. / The Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets. / And Hezekiah ordered that the burnt offering be sacrificed on the altar. When the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD and the trumpets began as well, accompanied by the instruments of David king of Israel. ...

Ezra 3:10-11
When the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their positions to praise the LORD, as David king of Israel had prescribed. / And they sang responsively with praise and thanksgiving to the LORD: “For He is good; for His loving devotion to Israel endures forever.” Then all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD had been laid.

1 Chronicles 23:5
4,000 are to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 are to praise the LORD with the instruments I have made for giving praise.”

1 Chronicles 16:4-6
David appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, to celebrate, to give thanks, and to praise the LORD, the God of Israel. / Asaph was the chief, Zechariah was second, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel. They were to play the harps and lyres, while Asaph sounded the cymbals / and the priests Benaiah and Jahaziel blew the trumpets regularly before the ark of the covenant of God.

2 Chronicles 5:12-13
all the Levitical singers—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps, and lyres, accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. / The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” And the temple, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud

2 Chronicles 7:6
The priests stood at their posts, as did the Levites with the musical instruments of the LORD, which King David had made for giving thanks to the LORD and with which David had offered praise, saying, “For His loving devotion endures forever.” Across from the Levites, the priests sounded trumpets, and all the Israelites were standing.

2 Chronicles 20:21-22
Then Jehoshaphat consulted with the people and appointed those who would sing to the LORD and praise the splendor of His holiness. As they went out before the army, they were singing: “Give thanks to the LORD, for His loving devotion endures forever.” / The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated.

Psalm 68:25
The singers lead the way, the musicians follow after, among the maidens playing tambourines.

Psalm 150:3-5
Praise Him with the sound of the horn; praise Him with the harp and lyre. / Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute. / Praise Him with clashing cymbals; praise Him with resounding cymbals.

1 Chronicles 6:31-32
These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the LORD after the ark rested there. / They ministered with song before the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. And they performed their duties according to the regulations given them.

1 Chronicles 9:33
Those who were musicians, the heads of Levite families, stayed in the temple chambers and were exempt from other duties because they were on duty day and night.

2 Chronicles 35:15
The singers, the descendants of Asaph, were at their stations according to the command of David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun the king’s seer. And the gatekeepers at each gate did not need to leave their posts, because their fellow Levites made preparations for them.

1 Chronicles 16:42
Heman and Jeduthun had with them trumpets and cymbals for the music and instruments for the songs of God. And the sons of Jeduthun were stationed at the gate.


Treasury of Scripture

And his brothers, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.

musical instruments.

Nehemiah 12:24
And the chief of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise and to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, ward over against ward.

1 Chronicles 23:5
Moreover four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith.

2 Chronicles 8:14
And he appointed, according to the order of David his father, the courses of the priests to their service, and the Levites to their charges, to praise and minister before the priests, as the duty of every day required: the porters also by their courses at every gate: for so had David the man of God commanded.

Ezra.

Ezra 7:1
Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,

Ezra 8:1
These are now the chief of their fathers, and this is the genealogy of them that went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of Artaxerxes the king.

Jump to Previous
Azareel Azarel Az'arel David Ezra Hanani Hana'ni Head Instruments Judah Kinsmen Led Musical Nethaneel Nethanel Nethan'el Prescribed Procession Scribe Shemaiah Shemai'ah Song
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Azareel Azarel Az'arel David Ezra Hanani Hana'ni Head Instruments Judah Kinsmen Led Musical Nethaneel Nethanel Nethan'el Prescribed Procession Scribe Shemaiah Shemai'ah Song
Nehemiah 12
1. The priests and the Levites which came up with Zerubbabel.
10. The succession of high priests.
22. Certain chief Levites.
27. The solemnity of the dedication of the walls.
44. The offices of priests and Levites appointed in the temple.














and his associates—Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani—
This phrase lists the associates of the Levite leader, highlighting the communal and organized nature of worship in ancient Israel. The names reflect the Jewish tradition of naming, often carrying meanings that relate to God or divine attributes. The inclusion of these individuals underscores the importance of community and shared responsibility in worship and religious ceremonies. The Levites were set apart for temple service, and their involvement here emphasizes the continuity of worship practices from the time of Moses and Aaron. This communal aspect is echoed in the New Testament, where the early church is described as a body with many members, each contributing to the whole (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

with the musical instruments prescribed by David the man of God.
David's establishment of musical worship in the temple is a significant aspect of his legacy. He organized the Levites into groups for musical service, as seen in 1 Chronicles 23-25, and this tradition continued into the time of Nehemiah. The use of musical instruments in worship was not merely for aesthetic purposes but was a divinely inspired method of praising God, as seen in the Psalms. David's role as "the man of God" highlights his prophetic and kingly functions, foreshadowing Christ, who is both King and Prophet. The instruments symbolize joy and celebration, reflecting the restoration of Jerusalem and the temple, which is a type of the ultimate restoration through Christ.

Ezra the scribe led the procession.
Ezra's leadership in the procession underscores his significant role in the spiritual and religious life of post-exilic Israel. As a scribe, Ezra was responsible for teaching and interpreting the Law, which was crucial for the re-establishment of Jewish identity and religious practice after the Babylonian exile. His leadership in this context highlights the importance of the Law and its public reading, as seen earlier in Nehemiah 8. Ezra's role as a scribe and leader parallels the role of Christ as the ultimate teacher and interpreter of God's Word, fulfilling the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17). The procession itself is a symbol of unity and dedication to God, reminiscent of the triumphal entries and processions seen throughout biblical history, culminating in Christ's entry into Jerusalem.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani
These individuals were Levites involved in the procession. Their role was significant in leading worship and music, highlighting the importance of organized worship in the community.

2. Musical Instruments Prescribed by David
This refers to the instruments that King David had established for worship in the temple. It underscores the continuity of worship practices from David's time to Nehemiah's.

3. Ezra the Scribe
A key religious leader and scribe who played a crucial role in the spiritual renewal of the people. His leadership in the procession signifies the importance of the Law and teaching in worship.

4. The Procession
This event was part of the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, symbolizing the restoration and renewal of the city and its people.

5. David the Man of God
King David is referenced as the originator of the musical traditions used in worship, emphasizing his role as a model for worship and devotion.
Teaching Points
The Role of Music in Worship
Music is a vital component of worship, serving to unify and uplift the congregation. It is a tradition rooted in biblical history and should be embraced in modern worship practices.

Continuity of Worship Practices
The use of instruments prescribed by David highlights the importance of maintaining continuity in worship practices. This continuity helps preserve the faith and traditions of the community.

Leadership in Worship
Ezra's role in leading the procession underscores the importance of strong, godly leadership in guiding worship and spiritual renewal. Leaders should be well-versed in Scripture and committed to the spiritual growth of their community.

Community and Worship
The procession and dedication of the wall were communal events, emphasizing that worship is not just an individual act but a collective experience that strengthens community bonds.

Historical Roots of Worship
Understanding the historical and biblical roots of worship practices can deepen our appreciation and engagement in worship today.(36) With the musical instruments of David the man of God.--No part of the service deviated from sacred precedents (comp. Nehemiah 12:27).

Ezra the scribe before them.--Between the singers and the princes came he who was the greatest in dignity, though the second in office.

Verse 36. - The musical instruments of David. Cymbals, psalteries, and harps. See above, ver. 27, and comp. 1 Chronicles 15:16, 19-21. The Jews had become acquainted with a great variety of musical instruments during the captivity (Daniel 3:7; Psalm 150:4, 5), but rigidly excluded all except the old instruments from the service of religion. Ezra the scribe before them. As their leader. It is interesting to find no jealousy separating Ezra from the governor who had superseded him. As the two conjointly had addressed the people on a former occasion (Nehemiah 8:9), so now they conjointly conducted the ceremony of the dedication.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
and his associates—
וְֽאֶחָ֡יו (wə·’e·ḥāw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

Shemaiah,
שְֽׁמַעְיָ֡ה (šə·ma‘·yāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8098: Shemaiah -- 'Yah hears', the name of a number of Israelites

Azarel,
וַעֲזַרְאֵ֡ל (wa·‘ă·zar·’êl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5832: Azarel -- 'God has helped', the name of several Israelites

Milalai,
מִֽלֲלַ֡י (mi·lă·lay)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4450: Milalai -- an Israelite musician

Gilalai,
גִּֽלֲלַ֡י (gi·lă·lay)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1562: Gilalai -- a Levitical musician

Maai,
מָעַ֞י (mā·‘ay)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4597: Maai -- an Israelite musician

Nethanel,
נְתַנְאֵ֤ל (nə·ṯan·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5417: Nethanel -- 'given of God', the name of a number of Israelites

Judah,
וִֽיהוּדָה֙ (wî·hū·ḏāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

and Hanani—
חֲנָ֔נִי (ḥă·nā·nî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2607: Hanani -- the name of several Israelites

with the musical
שִׁ֥יר (šîr)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7892: A song, singing

instruments
בִּכְלֵי־ (biḵ·lê-)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3627: Something prepared, any apparatus

[prescribed by] David
דָּוִ֖יד (dā·wîḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

the man
אִ֣ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

of God.
הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

Ezra
וְעֶזְרָ֥א (wə·‘ez·rā)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5830: Ezra -- 'help', three Israelites

the scribe
הַסּוֹפֵ֖ר (has·sō·w·p̄êr)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5608: To count, recount, relate

led the procession.
לִפְנֵיהֶֽם׃ (lip̄·nê·hem)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6440: The face


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OT History: Nehemiah 12:36 And his brothers Shemaiah and Azarel Milalai (Neh Ne)
Nehemiah 12:35
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