The Grand Finale: It was time for a celebration. We need to remember that the edited account continues from 11:1–20, and what intervenes is a compilation of supplementary material. The first half of chapter 11 briefly told the story of the repopulation of Jerusalem and enumerated the families who were involved in it. It used a source other than Nehemiah’s memoirs—one that focused on the role of the people and their leaders, not Nehemiah. The editor used this same source from 12:27 to 12:30. In verse 31 we return to the memoirs, although the lists of priests and Levites in verses 33–36 and 41–42 reflect the other source or independent archival information available to the editor. The ceremony of the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem marks the climax of Nehemiah’s two-part mission, just as…