‏ Nehemiah 12

* 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.