Nehemiah 12:31-43 – Joyful Worship
Once both priests and people had been purified, Nehemiah organised a procession around the walls. This procession was to be led by two choirs who would go around the city walls in opposite directions until they met at the temple of the Lord. This great act of dedication and thanksgiving was to be public; even those who had opposed the work and had sought to prevent it happening, were to see and hear how God had so marvellously caused the work on the walls to be completed. The great triumphs of God’s works should never be hidden away from the sight of men, whether that be the building of places for God’s worship or the great glories and triumphs of grace in the salvation of sinners. We should never be ashamed to let the whole world know of what God is doing.
There are two very significant things seen in the singing and offering of sacrifice in this service of praise:
1. Every aspect of the worship was carried out with great joy and rejoicing, so much so that the sound of the rejoicing could be heard ‘far away’ (v.45). Praise and thanksgiving to God should always bring joy to the people of God – worship is a joyful activity (Psalm 122:1). Not that that implies that it should be raucous or noisy, but simply that to worship the God who has done so much for us should bring great pleasure and satisfaction to the heart of the true believer.
2. One very significant thing mentioned in this passage is that the women and children also rejoiced. It is so important to recognise that joyous worship is to be participated in by the whole covenant community – no-one is to be excluded. It is sad that there are some who believe that small children should not be in worship services as they can be disruptive or noisy. The truth is that joyful worship is for all and children do learn how they should behave in worship.
Questions
- What should our attitude be in worship?
- Who is to participate in the worship of God?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for the joy it is to worship God.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.