12:27-43 · The first-person account, which broke off at 7:5, resumes at 12:27. Nehemiah describes the dedication of the wall following the spiritual renewal and the people’s covenant to obey God. He understands the divine emphasis on celebrations. God calls his people to thankful worship and rejoicing (Deut. 12:7, 12, 18; 14:26; 16:11–15; 26:11; 27:7). Times of celebration and thankful worship unite the community, draw the people closer to God, and motivate them to rededicate their lives to the Lord.

The completion of the wall is the climax of a series of wonderful manifestations of God’s guidance and power: the decree of Cyrus (Ezra 1:1–4) has brought about freedom from captivity, the temple has been constructed, and the Jewish community has been revitalized and renewed. The restoration…