Nehemiah 12:1-8
1 These were the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and with Joshua:
Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,
2 Amariah, Malluk, Hattush,
3 Shekaniah, Rehum, Meremoth,
4 Iddo, Ginnethon, Abijah,
5 Mijamin, Moadiah, Bilgah,
6 Shemaiah, Joiarib, Jedaiah,
7 Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah and Jedaiah.
These were the leaders of the priests and their associates in the days of Joshua.
8 The Levites were Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and also Mattaniah, who, together with his associates, was in charge of the songs of thanksgiving.
Stepping into Nehemiah for a day as we look to the weekend. I spotted a verse in chapter 12 that I hadn’t really taken note of before. Nehemiah lists those that return from exile to resettle in Jerusalem. Not surprisingly, he makes sure he lists the priests and Levites, Aaron’s descendants who organise Israel’s worship. The last in verse 8 is Mattaniah who ‘was in charge of the songs of thanksgiving‘. It struck me as quite amazing that even in exile, that thanksgiving was that important to them, that someone should be put in charge of it, laments yes, sad songs of loss and despair, but thanksgiving? Makes me wonder about the priority I give it in my life.
What do you have to be thankful for today?
Sarah MURRAY