Nehemiah 11:23
For there was a command from the king concerning the singers, an ordinance regulating their daily activities.
For there was a command from the king
This phrase indicates a royal decree, suggesting the importance of the singers' role in the community. The king referred to here is likely Artaxerxes I of Persia, under whose reign Nehemiah served as cupbearer and later governor of Judah. This highlights the Persian influence and support in the restoration of Jerusalem, as seen in Ezra and Nehemiah. The king's command underscores the political and administrative structure that allowed the Jewish community to reestablish their religious practices.

concerning the singers
The singers were Levites assigned to lead worship in the temple, a role established by King David (1 Chronicles 25). Their inclusion in the king's command emphasizes the importance of worship and music in Jewish religious life. The singers' duties were not only ceremonial but also spiritual, as they helped maintain the community's focus on God. This reflects the broader biblical theme of worship as central to the life of God's people, seen in Psalms and Revelation.

an ordinance regulating their daily activities
This ordinance ensured the singers' needs were met, allowing them to focus on their spiritual duties without distraction. It reflects the organized and systematic approach to temple worship, reminiscent of the detailed instructions given for the tabernacle and temple services in the Torah. The daily activities of the singers were crucial for maintaining the rhythm of worship, paralleling the daily sacrifices and prayers. This regulation can be seen as a type of Christ, who is our eternal High Priest, continually interceding for us (Hebrews 7:25).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
A Jewish leader who played a crucial role in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls and reforming the community after the Babylonian exile.

2. The King
Likely referring to Artaxerxes I of Persia, who supported Nehemiah's mission to rebuild Jerusalem.

3. The Singers
Levites assigned to lead worship and music in the temple, playing a vital role in the spiritual life of the community.

4. Jerusalem
The city central to Jewish identity and worship, undergoing restoration during Nehemiah's time.

5. The Command/Regulation
A decree ensuring the provision and support for the temple singers, highlighting the importance of worship in the community.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Worship
Worship is central to the life of God's people. The provision for singers underscores the priority of worship in maintaining a vibrant spiritual community.

God's Provision through Authority
God can use secular authorities to fulfill His purposes, as seen in the king's command supporting the temple singers.

Faithfulness in Service
The singers had a daily duty, reminding us of the importance of consistency and dedication in our service to God.

Community Support for Ministry
Just as the community supported the singers, modern churches should ensure that those who lead worship and ministry are adequately supported.

The Role of Music in Spiritual Life
Music and singing are powerful tools for worship and teaching, helping to embed spiritual truths in the hearts of believers.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the king's command in Nehemiah 11:23 reflect God's sovereignty in using secular authorities to support His work?

2. In what ways can we ensure that worship remains a central focus in our personal and communal spiritual lives?

3. How does the role of the singers in Nehemiah's time compare to the role of worship leaders in the church today?

4. What practical steps can we take to support those who lead worship and ministry in our communities?

5. How can we incorporate music and singing into our daily spiritual practices to enhance our relationship with God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 9:33
This verse also mentions the singers and their responsibilities, emphasizing their continuous service in the temple.

Ezra 6:8-10
Provides context on how Persian kings supported the Jewish temple services, including provisions for offerings and worship.

Psalm 137:1-4
Reflects on the importance of music and worship for the Israelites, even during their exile.

Colossians 3:16
Encourages believers to let the word of Christ dwell richly, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
The True CentralisationR.A. Redford Nehemiah 11:1-36
Three Elements in the Church of ChristW. Clarkson Nehemiah 11:3-36
People
Abda, Adaiah, Ahitub, Akkub, Amariah, Amashai, Amzi, Ananiah, Anathoth, Arba, Asaph, Athaiah, Azareel, Azrikam, Bakbukiah, Bani, Baruch, Benjamin, Benjamites, Bunni, Colhozeh, Gabbai, Galal, Gispa, Hashabiah, Hashub, Hasshub, Hazaiah, Hilkiah, Immer, Isaiah, Israelites, Ithiel, Jachin, Jedaiah, Jeduthun, Jeroham, Jesaiah, Jeshaiah, Jeshua, Joed, Joel, Joiarib, Jozabad, Kolaiah, Levites, Maaseiah, Malchiah, Malchijah, Mattaniah, Meraioth, Meshezabeel, Meshillemoth, Meshullam, Micha, Pashur, Pedaiah, Pelaliah, Pelet, Perez, Pethahiah, Sallai, Sallu, Senuah, Seraiah, Shabbethai, Shammua, Shelah, Shemaiah, Shephatiah, Shiloni, Shual, Solomon, Talmon, Uzzi, Uzziah, Zabdi, Zabdiel, Zadok, Zechariah, Zerah, Zichri, Ziha
Places
Adullam, Aija, Ananiah, Anathoth, Azekah, Beersheba, Bethel, Beth-pelet, Dibon, En-rimmon, Geba, Gittaim, Hadid, Hazar-shual, Hazor, Jarmuth, Jekabzeel, Jerusalem, Jeshua, Kiriath-arba, Lachish, Lod, Meconah, Michmash, Moladah, Neballat, Nob, Ono, Ophel, Ramah, Valley of Hinnom, Zanoah, Zeboim, Ziklag, Zorah
Topics
Activity, Amount, Command, Commandment, Daily, Due, Firm, King's, Leaders, Matter, Music-makers, Needs, Order, Orders, Ordinance, Portion, Provision, Regular, Regulated, Regulation, Required, Settled, Singers, Song, Support, Sure
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 11:22-23

     7960   singing

Library
Lydda
"Lydda was a village, not yielding to a city in greatness." Concerning its situation, and distance from Jerusalem, the Misna hath these words: "The vineyard of four years" (that is, the fruit of a vineyard now of four years' growth; for, for the first three years, they were trees, as it were, not circumcised) "was brought to Jerusalem, in the space of a day's journey on every side. Now these were the bounds of it; Elath on the south; Acrabatta on the north; Lydda on the west; and Jordan on the east."
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

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

Links
Nehemiah 11:23 NIV
Nehemiah 11:23 NLT
Nehemiah 11:23 ESV
Nehemiah 11:23 NASB
Nehemiah 11:23 KJV

Nehemiah 11:23 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Nehemiah 11:22
Top of Page
Top of Page