Why, before describing the final celebration and dedication of the wall (Neh. 12:27–43), does the author present another list of priests and Levites (12:1–26)? He again emphasizes the covenant community’s historical continuity with preexilic Israel. He provides a way of dating specific events in their history, reverting to the method used before the monarchy, when successive periods were remembered by the lifetimes of the high priests (Num. 35:28). With the loss of Hebrew kingship, it is important to designate alternative historical markers. Also, by naming the priests and Levites, the author indicates the importance of each individual in God’s work (cf. Ephesians 4), even though throughout Ezra-Nehemiah he is careful to emphasize the whole people rather than one or two great leaders.
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